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of 

INSTRUCTION 

BEING A COMPILATION OF 

SELECT SPEECHES AND READINGS 

FROM THE 

MOST EMINENT AMERICAN AUTHORS; 

WITH 

AN APPENDIX 

COMPRISING A SYNOPSIS OF THE 

GEOGRAPHY OF THE UNITED STATES, 

•WITH 

USEFUL GEOGRAPHICAL TABLES, 

■■'' V 

BY JOHN GOLDER, 

ATTORNEX AT LAW. 




PHILADELPHIA. 

PUBLISHED FOR THE AUTHOR BY T. T. ASH, 

1827. 



CONTENTS, 



LESSONS IN ELOQUENCE. 

Introductory Address, 

Composition, 

Punctuation, 

Criticism, 

Grammar, 

Geography, 

History, 

Astronomy, 

Economy of Human Life, 

Advantages of Education, 

Advantages of the Sciences, 

Biographical Notices. 

LITERARY. 

Washington's acceptance of the Presidency, 

Citizens of Alexandria's Address to President Washington, 

President Washington's Answer, 

Legislature of Virginia to General Lafayette, 

Legislature of Pennsylvania to do. 

'Lafayette to the Citizens of France, 

Letter descriptive of the Eloquence of the Virginia Bar. 

POPULAR ELOQUENCE. 
Dr. B. Rush's Eulogium on Cullen, 
Same on Rittenhouse, 
Fisher Ames' Eulogium on Washington, 
David P. Brown's Address before the Abolition Society, 
J. Hopkinson's Address to the Academy of Fine Arts, 
J. R. Ingersoll's Address to the Philomathian Society, 
P. S. Duponceau's Popular Addresses. 

DELIBERATIVE ELOQUENCE. 

Patrick Henry's Speech on Mr. Madison's Resolutions, 

Governor Randolph on do. do. 

Governeur Morris on do. do. 

Patrick Henry on the Federal Constitution, 

Messrs. Livingston, Mercer and Storr's Speeches in Congress 

on the Resolutions in favour of General Lafayette — 1824, 
General Lafayette's Speech in presence of Bonaparte, before 

the National Council, 
An Indian Chief's Speech before Lafayette. 
.Logan's Speech. 



/II CONTENTS. 



PULPIT ELOQUENCE. 

Abstracts from Select Sermons, 

Remarks on the Advantages of the Ministry, and Advice to 
Students. 

FORENSIC ELOQUENCE. 
Jared Ingersoll's Speech in defence of the Judges of the S. C. 
Joseph Hopkinson's do. in defence of Justice Chase, 
Mr. Early on the part of the Prosecution of Justice Chase, 
Mr. Wurts on the Trial of Aaron Burr, 
J. R. Ingersoll in defence of Rev. William Hogan, 
David P. Brown's do do. do. 

George M. Dallas on the part of the Prosecution, 
P. S. Duponceau's Address to the Law Academy, 
Mr. Hopkinson's do. do. do. 

David P. Brown in Defence of Judge Porter, 
Do. in defence of the Journeymen Tailors, 
Observations on the Profession of the Law. 

POETRY. 

Friendship to Missionaries, 

Prince of Peace, 

Greek Emigrant, 

Freedom, 

Spirit of Freedom, 

Admonition to Youth, 

My Father's at the Helm, 

Faith's Ebenezer, 

Mercy, 

The Task, 

Seneca Lake, 

Sensitive Plant, 

Liberty of Athens, 

Home, 

The Rose of my Heart, 

Bliss of Tears, 

Patriotism, 

All is Done, 

Light of Love, 

Eloquence, 

Love of Study, 

Mental Beauty, 

Childhood. 

APPENDIX. 

A Synopsis of the Geography of the United States, 
Interesting Abstracts from the History of the Republican War. 



PREFACE. 

When my attention was first directed to the improve- 
ment of the present mode of teaching Rhetoric, in the 
American schools, I had only designed an effort to im- 
prove it by the delivery of'my Course of Lectures^ 
founded on the old principles taught by Quinctillian to 
his pupils, in the first century of the Christian sera. 
My further consideration of the subject obliged me to 
go in pursuit of some school books already published, 
to place in the hands of my class as they advanced in 
the science. Finding no work of the kind at hand, I 
determined to prepare one for their use: this volume is 
the fruit of that determination, and the origin of this 
undertaking. 

These United States (under the wise providence of 
God) owe their progressive greatness to the patriotism 
of the congress who represented their interests in the 
national convention of 1776; — that patriotism was pure 
and virtuous. Virtue, then, is the vital chord of this 
Union; and every manly effort to sustain its strength 
not only merits the approbation, but will be justly en- 
titled to the gratitude of each succeeding generation, 

B 



Vi PREFACE. 

If the libera] constitution of our government offers to 
the youth of the country one word of admonition more 
interesting than another — is it not that which we per- 
ceive recognizes the principal motive of its establish- 
ment? — "to promote the general welfare, and secure 
the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity." 

A sentiment thus engrafted in the constitution of any 
community seldom fails to enlist the best energies of 
its immediate friends, whilst it wins the efforts of each 
successive age to preserve it unimpaired, as it is handed 
down, the sure guarantee of domestic happiness and 
public tranquility. 

Had the calm and dispassionate compiler of Scott's 
Lessons enlarged his judicious view of the Elements of 
Gesture, by an appendage to his work similar to En- 
field's Readings, my labours in this undertaking might 
have been much abridged, if not unnecessary. Had the 
very successful author of the American Orator, or the 
more elaborate proprietor of Select American Speeches, 
anticipated this effort to advance the claims of national 
genius with the proud auxiliaries of the youthful mind, 
their works would have received my entire approba- 
tion; but as neither of these writers had the advantages 
which are now offered by the accurate u Register of 
Debates in Congress" being added to the publications 
of more recent date, it is desirable that this work may 
Jill up the measure of their unavoidable deficiency, 



PREFACE. VII 

whilst it aims to add no inconsiderable improvement to 
that generous emulation such proud examples of native 
talent and usefulness are so well calculated to excite. 
Whatever may be the reception of this performance, I 
shall at least have the consolation of having made an 
effort to contribute to the ease of the teacher by abridg- 
ing his labour in giving instruction, and to the accom- 
modation of the scholar by a short but comprehensive 
collection of the best addresses of our ablest public 
speakers. The works of genius and of taste no where 
show with brighter lustre than in the generous exercise 
of deliberate eloquence: and the morals of youth are 
never more secure, than when confided to the care of 
the faithful teacher. His interest inspires him with a 
studious zeal for his scholar's attachment, and with that 
consideration his gratitude should be a coat of mail to 
the parent's censure. 



INTRODUCTORY ADDRESS. 



Every day's experience confirms the fact, that there 
is a " redeeming spirit" in the constitution of the United 
States, wisely calculated for the culture and growth of 
a free people: and when, in the course of human events, 
it may seem to be necessary to repair to this political 
fountain to draw water for the dissemination of know- 
ledge, that is a laudable direction of its streams which 
leads the rising generation to the studious improvement 
of those useful arts which contribute most to its beauty, 
and make it durable. That oratory is an art of the first 
importance to the national safety in times of peril, and 
its highest ornament in a time of peace, there can be 
but one candid opinion in the public mind: that it has 
been taught with diligence, and practised with an ho- 
nourable independence in every enlightened commu- 
nity, from the days of Aristotle to this day, is a fact as 
creditable to the art as it is gratifying to its patrons and 
friends. That the manner and address of an orator is 
of the first importance to his cause, is admitted by all; 
hence the necessity of establishing a habit of a graceful 
delivery will not be controverted. 

Youth is the proper season for the cultivation of the 
mind; for no art is so easily prepared for, and mastered, 
in advanced life, as it may be in youth. And if there 
be no attention given to this study in boyhood, the age 



X INTRODUCTORY ABDRESS, 

of manhood seldom acquires the necessary taste for its 
successful improvement. Mankind, from the beginning, 
are taught to speak: therefore, from the beginning, they 
should be taught to speak correctly; otherwise it is per- 
fectly natural for them to acquire the vulgar habit of 
speaking wrong. They who know and feel the diffi- 
culty of putting off bad habits should assiduously strive 
to prevent others falling into them. 

Our children will soon take the places we occupy, and 
ought to be apprised of the errors we are sensible of. 
Of the learning required for an accomplishment in this 
art, and the best mode of its most successful application, 
modern writers differ almost as widely as they do in their 
opinion of its arrangement, when applied to the purposes 
of public good. The ancients differed in their applica- 
tion of its useful parts — invention, composition, and 
style — the moderns yet concur in no system for the pro- 
motion of either. The following pages afford the scho- 
lar the best evidence of its advantage, and an unremit- 
ting diligence will teach him its value. 



DUIDIftgA'Sa®^ 



TO THE 



AMERICAN TEACHERS. 

I dedicate to you this compilation of American les- 
sons of eloquence, selected from the speeches of distin- 
guished orators, commencing at a later period of our 
national history than any work of the kind you have to 
advert to. You will perhaps find it happily accommo- 
dated to your own taste, as it is intended mainly to ani- 
mate the ambition of your scholars. 

You are not indebted to me for this compilation, more 
than for the industry used in presenting it to your view 
under this arrangement. 

To a liberal mind the vocation of your choice asso- 
ciates all the pleasurable feelings of the benevolent heart. 
It is true, most other occupations in life have a change 
of duty, which is considered agreeable: the steady same- 
ness of yours is its chief good. Knowledge should be 
the honest aim of every honourable scholar; and in your 
assiduous efforts to advance that aim, the reflection is 
exhilirating, that, in the same degree you contribute to 
the promotion of this knowledge, you elevate the power 
of the American republic. 

JNO. GOLDER. 



LESSONS 



IN" 



ELOCUTION. 



The wise man"' has said, " Spare the rod and spoil the child." 
This sentiment, when applied to the connection between pa- 
rent and child, is every way worthy of its illustrious author; 
hut if it is contended by the preceptor of this day that it places 
in his hands at all times a precedent for the unfeeling; use of 
his ferule, or the ungenerous exercise of his whip, it is due 
to the benevolent professors to show that no such weapons of 
offence are properly suited to inspire their pupils with a zeal 
for an improvement which it is desired by these pages to be 
their choice privilege to make. 

It is thought that through the neglect of parents in early 
life so little attention is paid to the address of youth, that not 
one young man in twenty, on his first entrance into society, 
knows what to do with his eyes, or where to place his hands. 
To see many of our public teachers, who attempt to instruct 
the art of speaking to their pupils, utterly regardless of the 
instructive exercise of their limbs, much less their eyes, which 
are invariably fixed on the book when they should be raised 
to heaven, or looking for the stars when they should be di- 
rected to the scholar, one would think there was a want of 
this peculiar knowledge in such teacher, rather than attribute 
it to any thing else. 

An attention to the boy's morals is the first duty of the 
popular teacher; a correct and distinct pronunciation is always 
required, whether in speaking or reading. The scholar should 
never indulge himself with the use of vulgar language at 
school, or elsewhere, and his own pride will soon teach him 
the value of a habit as creditable to himself, as it is always 

r Solomon is even? where called the wise man, 

c 



14 Lessons in Elocution. 

the office and the interest of the teacher to impress upon hfe 
understanding; the valued fact, that it is pleasing: to virtue. 

As soon as a boy can read the words in the English Reader, 
or Grimshaw's History of the United States, without spell- 
ing, he ought to be taught the use of the stops, and accus- 
tomed to pay the same regard to them as he does to the words; 
by this means he will be likely to have (what is of great im- 
portance to him) his mind impressed with the subject he is 
reading about: the common rule for his pausing at a comma 
until he can count one, a semicolon two, a colon three, and 
a period, or full stop, four, is too precise for an invariable 
rule: the reader should always remember this general rule, 
but consult his own easy command of his breath in its appli- 
cation. It often happens, that the extending the pause a mo- 
ment longer, gives the reader time for a reflection, and the 
hearer for an attention, due to the subject of the lesson. 

Young readers are apt to indulge in a kind of monotony, 
unsuited to eloquence of any kind, which it is very difficult 
afterwards to avoid. Monotony is holding one uniform sing- 
song sound through the whole lesson, which is as reprehen- 
sible for the teacher to allow as it is unprofitable for the 
scholar to practice: the continually varying strain of the mat- 
ter necessarily requires an equally varying series of sounds 
to express it. Young people must be taught to let their voices 
fall at the ends of sentences: and to read without that drawl- 
ing habit they are too often permitted to use in speaking. 
For reading is nothing but speaking what we see in a book 
when we are looking attentively at it: as if we were express- 
ing at the same time our own sentiments. And hence it is, 
that there are no good readers but those who properly un- 
derstand what they are reading; the sooner, then, a boy is 
made acquainted with biography, history, and geographj 7 , the 
earlier he will be prepared to learn the chief principles of 
oratory. 

It is at all times interesting to young minds to read the 
little story books and fables which the best authors have 
written for their particular instruction; when these are found- 
ed upon good morals they have the happiest tendency, espe- 
cially if accommodated to their own little chat. They are 
useful, too, in preventing the whining, drawling habit I have 
before complained of. 

The scholar must understand, that in asking questions the 
voice must always rise at the end of the sentence, which is 
not the case in most other pronunciations; and this is because 
the emphatic word upon which the stress of the voice should 



Lessons in Elocution. !» 

rest, is often the last in the sentence; e. g.* "Can there any 
good thing come out of Nazareth? \ here the emphatic word 
is Nazareth, therefore the word Nazareth is to be pronounced 
in a higher tone of voice than any other part of the sentence, 
But in pronouncing the following: By what authority have 
you taken that horse, and who gave you that authority, — the 
emphatical words are authority and who. And in all such 
questions the emphasis must, according to the intention of 
the speaker, be put upon that word which signifies the point 
about which he inquires. 

Example. — Is it true your brother has returned? If the 
inquirer wants only to know whether I have raised the re- 
port, he will lay his emphasis upon true, if otherwise, upon 
the words brother and returned. If my friend knows that I 
have seen a great stranger in court to-day, and only wishes 
to know whether he has told me any news, he will put the 
emphalis upon news, if he knoivs all the rest, and wants only 
to know whether the news I heard was bad, he will put the 
emphasis upon the word bad. 

A youth should not only be accustomed to read to the mas- 
ter while the general business of the school is going on, so 
that none but the master and those of his own class can hear 
him, but likewise to read or speak by himself while all the 
rest hear. This will give him courage and accustom him to 
pronounce distinctly, so that every syllable shall be heard, 
though not every syllable alike aloud w\ with the same em- 
phasis through the whole room. For it is one part of the 
judgment of a public speaker to accommodate his voice to the 
place he speaks in, in such a manner as to Jill it, and at the 
same time notstun his hearers. It is a difficult thing to bring 
young readers to speak slow enough. There is little danger 
of their speaking too slow. Though that is a fault, as well as 
the contrary. 

In every sentence there are some words, and often several, 
which are to be pronounced with a stronger emphasis or ac- 
cent than the others. Time was, when it was usual to print 
all the emphatic words in every sentence in italics. And it 
was attended with many advantages which a contrary cus- 
tom has not: it always enables one to understand the sense 
of the author, especially where there is a train of reasoning 
carried on. But the fashion of the day now opposes this cus- 

* These letters, thus used, mean example, or exempli gratia, two Latin 
words, for the sake of example. 

f Nazareth a town of Palestine in Syria, Aeia, famous as the birth plac* 
of Jesus Christ, the Saviour of the world, 



16 Lessons in Elocution. 

torn, lest the page should look like a patched garment and 
deform its appearance; as if it were not of more consequence 
to cultivate the understanding than to please the eye. But to 
return to emphasis, — there is nothing more pedantic than too 
much stress being laid upon trifling matter. Some professional 
men are apt to get into a fulsome mode of throwing out the 
technical terms of their vocation on every occasion, as if there 
were no other words at their command to convey the same 
ideas, when perhaps the theme of their discourse is of no high- 
er importance, than 

Whose coach is that in Chesnut-street? 
"Whose dog- is >hat lies at vour feet? 

Or, 

Is this quill, with which I write, 
Pick'd off a gray g'oose or a white? 

Nor can any errors be more ridiculous than some that have 
been occasioned by an emphasis placed wrong. Such was 
that we read of" A clergyman's curate, who having occasion 
to read in the church our Saviour saying to his disciples, 
L»uke 24, 25, * fools, and slow of heart to believe all that 
the prophets have spoken,'" placed the emphasis upon the 
word believe, as if Christ had called them fools for believing. 
Upon the Rector's finding fault when he read it next, he 
placed the emphasis upon the word all; as if it had been 
foolish in the disciples to believe all. The rector again 
"blaming this manner of placing the emphasis, the good curate 
accented the word prop'iets, as if the projihcts had been per- 
sons in no respect worthy of belief." 

A want of energy of address, when the language is pathe- 
tic, is at all times to be avoided. I have been often surprised 
to see some public speakers with whom I have had daily in- 
tercourse in the delivery of their sentiments, suffer a cold 
lifeless manner to be the most prominent fault of their whole 
speeches. The ease with which a public speaker delivers a 
long discourse, and his success with his audience, depends 
often upon his setting out on a proper key and at a due 
pitch of the voice. If he begins in too high a tone, or sets 
out too loud, how he can afterwards raise to a higher pitck 
I have yet to learn. The command of the voice, therefore, 
is to be studied very early. 'The pathos of delivery should 
increase progressively: the speaker is to grow warm gradual- 
ly, not at once, he should rather conclude than begin with 
the pathetic, because then his audience are prepared for it 
Nature has given to every emotion of the mind its proper ex- 
pression, in such a manner as that what accords with one, can- 



Lessons in Elocution. 17 

not be easily accommodated to the other. Children of three 
years of age express their grief in a tone of voice and with 
an action totally different from that which they use to ex- 
press their anger, and they utter their joy in a manner dif- 
ferent from both. Nor do they ever by mistake apply one 
in place of another. From hence, we are from nature to de- 
duce the whole art of speaking properly. What I would at- 
tempt to express — it depends more upon the manner of our 
speaking the words than upon the words themselves. And 
accordingly, in our intercourse with man there is a greater at- 
tention paid to this to ascertain the meaning of words than to 
any thing else. Thus nature fixes the outward expression of 
every intention or opinion of the mind. Art only gives an 
ornament to nature's direction. Nature has determined 
man should walk on his feet, not his hands. Art teaches 
him the habit of using both to his own best convenience 
gracefully. 

Every part of the human frame contributes to express the 
passions and faculties of the mind, and teaches us to know 
its present state. The head is sometimes erected, sometimes 
hanging down, sometimes drawn suddenly back with an air 
of disdain, sometimes denotes by a nod its pleasure or dis- 
pleasure, gives assent or denial by different motions: threat- 
ens by one kind of motion and approves by another, whilst 
it expresses suspicion by a third. 

The arms are sometimes both thrown out — sometimes the 
right alone. Sometimes they are lifted up as high as the 
face to express astonishment, sometimes held out before the 
breast to show fear: spread forth with the hands open to 
express desire or affection: the hands clasped in surprise, 
or in sudden joy and grief: the right hand clinched and the 
arms brandished to threaten; the two arms set a-kimbo to 
Jook big and express contempt or courage. With the hands, 
as Quinctillian sa} T s, " we solicit, we rej\ise, we promise, we 
threaten, we dismiss, we invite, we intrcut, we express 
aversion, fear, doubting, denial, asking, affirmation, ne- 
gation, joy , grief confession, penitence. VVith the hands, 
we describe and point out all circumstances of time, place 
and manner, of what we relate, we excite the passions of 
others, and sooth them, we approve and disapprove, permit 
or prohibit, admire or despise. The hands serve us instead 
of many sorts of words, and where the language of the tongue 
is indigent, that of the hands is expressive of our feeling: this 
is universal and common to all nations. The legs advance 
er retreat to express desire or aversion^ love or hatred^ 



IS Lessons in Elocution. 

courage or fear, and produce exultation or leaping in sud- 
den joy; and the stamping of the /bo/ expresses earnestness, 
anger and threatening." The /tfee, especially, being pro- 
vided with a variety of muscles, does more in expressing the 
passions of the mind than the whole human frame besides* 
The change of colour (in white people) shows by turns an- 
ger by redness, and sometimes by paleness; fear likewise 
by paeness, and shame by blushing. Every feature con- 
tributes its part. The mouth open shows one feeling of the 
mind, closed another; the gnashing of the teeth a third, and 
the smacking of the lips a fourth. The forehead smooth 
and eye-brows arched and easy, show tranquillity or joy. 
Mirth opens the mouth towards the ears, crisps the nose, 
half shuts the eyes, and sometimes fills them with tears. 
The front, or forehead, wrinkled in frowns, and the eye- 
brows overhanging the eyes, like clouds fraught with tempest, 
show a mind agitated with fury. Above all, the eye shows 
the very spirit in a visible form. In every different state 
of the mind it assumes a different appearance. Joy brightens 
and opens it, grief half closes and drowns it in tears. Haired 
and anger flash from it like lightning. Love darts from it 
in glances, like the orient beam. Jealousy and squinting envy 
dart their contagious blasts from the eye, and devotion raises 
it to the heavens, as if the soul of the holy man was wrapped 
in Elijah's* mantle, and bidding adieu to the earth. 

The force of attitude and looks alone appears in a remark- 
ably striking manner in the works of the painter and statuary, 
who have the delicate art of making the flat canvass and rocky 
marble utter every passion of the human mind, and touch 
the soul of the spectator, as if the picture or statue spoke 
the pathetic language of Shakspeare,t or the bold thought of 
a Henry. X It is not then wonderful that a masterly address, 
united with able elocution, should be irresistible. And the 
variety of expression by looks and gestures is so great, that 
we have been convinced a whole play can be represented 
without a word being spoken. The following are, I believe, 
the principal passions, humors, sentiments and intentions which 
are to be expressed by speech and action. And a little re- 
flection will convince the reader that the following arrange- 
ment is nearly the order in which nature expresses them. 
I shall now enumerate them, and with that enumeration close 

* Elijah the Tishbite, a messenger of God sent to the king of Samaria. 
See 2d Kings. 
f Shakspeare, a great tragedian of England, died 3d April, 1616, aged 52. 
i An eminent American orator died 1799, aged 63— born in Virginia, 1736 



Lessons in Composition. 19 

these lessons, with the pleasing anticipation that each scholar 
Will ambitiously strive to make himself, by practice, familiar 
with the features of all. 

Tranquillity, Apathy, Composure, Cheerfulness, Mirth, 
Laughter, Raillery, Buffoonery, Gravity, Joy, Delight, In- 
quiry, Attention, Modesty, Perplexity, Grimace, Vexation, 
Pity, Grief, Melancholy, Despair, Fear, Shame, Remorse, 
Reproach, Courage, Boasting, Pride, Obstinacy, Authority, 
Commanding, Forbidding, Affirming, Denying, Differing, 
Agreeing ) Entreating, Exhorting, Judging, Reproving, Ac- 
quitting, Condemning, Sentencing, Teaching, Pardoning, 
Arguing, Dismissing with approbation or displeasure, Re- 
fusing, Granting, Depending, Veneration, Respect, Hope, 
Desire, Love, Giving, Wonder, Admiration, Gratitude, Cu- 
riosity, Persuasion, Tempting, Promising, Affectation, Sloth, 
Intoxication, Peevishness, Anger, Malice, Envy, Revenge, 
Cruelty, Aversion, Complaining, Fatigue, Commendation, 
Jealousy, Dotage, Manhood, Youth, Folly, Sickness, Faint- 
ing, Death, Animation. 



COMPOSITION. 

Whbn pupils are capable of producing something of them- 
selves, they should be put upon composing in their mother 
tongue, and made to begin with what is most easy, and best 
suited to their capacities, as fables and stories. They should 
likewise be early accustomed to the epistolary style, as it is 
of universal use to all ages and conditions; and yet few we 
see succeed in it, though its principal ornament is a plain and 
natural air, which one should think was extremely easy. And 
here we must not omit the different address which is required 
to be paid to the different rank and quality of the person to 
whom we write, which is what they may easily be taught, 
even by a person who has had no great experience in that 
way himself. 

To these first compositions should succeed common places, 
descriptions, little dissertations, short speeches, and other 
matters of a like nature. And these should always be taken 
from some good author, which should then be read to them ? 
and laid before them as a pattern. 



20 Lessons in Composition. 

But one of the most useful exercises for youth, which takes 
in both translation and composition, is to lay before them 
certain select passages of Greek or Latin authors, not to 
be barely translated, where the translator is confined to the 
thoughts of his author, but to be turned in their own way, 
by allowing; them the liberty of adding or retrenching what- 
ever they shall think fit. For instance, the Life of Agricola, 
by Tacitus, his son-in-law, is one of the most excellent re- 
mains we have of antiquity, for the Iheliness of the expres- 
sion, the beauty of the thoughts, and the nobleness of the 
sentiments; and I question whether any other piece whatso^ 
ever is capable of forming a wise magistrate, a governor of a 
province, or a great statesman. And to this I would gladly 
join Tully's admirable letter to his brother Quintus. I have 
usually put good scholars, when they have passed through 
their rhetoric, upon writing the Life of Agricola in their 
mother tongue, at their leisure hours, and pressed them to 
introduce into it all the beauties of the original, but to make 
them their own by giving them a proper turn, and endeavour, 
if they could, to improve upon Tacitus. And I have seen 
some of them succeed in so surprising a manner, that I am. 
persuaded the greatest masters of our language would have 
been well pleased with their performances. — Rollin. 



LESSON II. 

As the faculty of writing prose has been of great service 
to me in the course of my life, and principally contributed 
to my advancement, I shall relate by what means, situated as 
I was, I acquired the small skill I may possess in that way. 
An odd volume of the Spectator fell into my hands. This 
was a publication I had never seen. I bought the volume, 
and read it again and again. I was enchanted with it, thought 
the style excellent, and wished it were in my power to imi- 
tate it. With this view I selected some of the papers, made 
short summaries of the sentences of each period, and put them 
for a few days aside. I then, without looking at the book, 
endeavoured to restore the essays to their due form, and to 
express each thought at length, as it was in the original, 
employing the most appropriate words that occurred to my 
mind. I afterwards compared my Spectator with the origi- 
nal; I perceived some faults, which I corrected: but I found 
that I wanted a fund of words, if I may so express myself, 
and a facility of recollecting and employing them, which I 
thought I should by that time have acquired, had I continued 



Reading Lessons. 21 

to make verses. The continued need of words of the same 
meaning, but of different lengths, for the measure, or of dif- 
ferent sounds for the rhyme, would have obliged me to seek 
for a variety of synonymes, and have rendered me master 
of them. From this belief, I took some of the tales of the 
Spectator and turned them into verse, and, after a time, when 
I had sufficiently forgotten them, I again converted them into 
prose. Sometimes, also, I mingled all my summaries together; 
and, a few weeks after, endeavoured to arrange them in the 
best order, before I attempted to form the periods and com- 
plete the essays. This I did with a view of acquiring me- 
thod in the arrangement of my thoughts On comparing af- 
terwards my performance with the original, my faults were 
apparent, which I corrected; but I had sometimes the satis- 
faction to think, that, in certain particulars, of little impor- 
tance, I bad been fortunate enough to improve the order of 
thought or the style, and this encouraged me to hope that I 
should succeed, in time, in writing decently in the English 
language, which was one of the greatest objects of my am- 
bition. — Franklin. 



Advantages of the Arts and Sciences. 

To have a just idea of the benefits arising from the train- 
ing up youth in the knowledge of languages, arts, history, 
rhetoric, philosophy, and such other sciences as are suitable 
to their years, and to learn how far such studies may contri- 
bute 1o the glory of a country, we need only take a view of 
the difference which learning makes, not only between pri- 
vate men — but nations. 



I) 



READING LESSONS, 



The Athenians possess but a small territory in Greece— 
but of how large an extent was their reputation? By carrying 
the sciences to perfection they completed their own glory. 
The same school sent abroad excellent men of all kinds, great 
orators, famous commanders, wise legislators, and able poli- 
ticians. This fruitful source diffused the like advantages 
over all the politer arts, though seemingly independent of it, 
such as music, painting, sculpture, and architecture. It was 
hence they received their improvement, their grandeur, and 
perfection; and, as if they had been derived from the same 
root, and nourished with the same sap, they flourished all at 
the same time. 

Rome, who had made herself mistress of the world by her 
victories, became the subject of its wonder and imitation by 
the excellent performances she produced, in almost all kinds 
of arts and sciences; and she thereby gained a new kind of 
superiority over the people she had subjected to her yoke, 
which was far more pleasing than what had been obtained by 
arms and conquest. Afric, which was once so productive of 
great and learned men, through the neglect of literature, is 
grown absolutely unfruitful, and even fallen into that barba- 
rity of which it bears the name, without having produced one 
single person in the course of so many ages who has dis- 
tinguished himself by any talent, called to mind the merit 
of his ancestors, or caused it to be remembered by others. 
Egypt, in particular, deserves this character, which has been 
considered the source whence all the sciences have flowed. 

The reverse has happened among the people of the West 
and North. They were long looked on as rude and barba- 
rous — as having discovered no taste for works of ingenuity 
and wit. But as soon as learning took place among them, 
they sent abroad considerable proficients in all kinds of 
literature, and in every profession, who, in point of solidity, 
understanding, depth and sublimity have equalled whatever 
other nations have at any time produced. 



Reading Lessons. SS 

We daily observe that, in proportion as the sciences make 
their progress in countries, they transform their inhabitants 
into new creatures: and by inspiring them with gentler in- 
clinations and manners, and supplying them with better forms 
of administration, and more humane laws, they raise them 
from the obscurity wherein they had languished before, and 
engage them to throw off their natural roughness. Thus 
they prove evidently that the minds of men are very near 
the same in all parts of the world: that all honourable dis- 
tinction in regard to them is owing to the sciences: and that, 
according as they are cultivated or neglected, nations rise or 
fall, emerge out of darkness, or sink again into it: and that 
their fate in a manner depends upon them. But without re- 
course to history, let us only cast our eyes upon what ordi- 
narily passes in nature. From thence we may learn what 
infinite*differenee cultivation makes between two pieces of 
ground which are otherwise very much alike. The one, if 
left to itself, remains rough, wild, and overrun with weeds 
and thorns. The other, laden with all sorts of grain and 
fruits, and set off with an agreeable variety of flowers, col- 
lects into a narrow compass whatever is most rare, whole- 
some, or delightful, and by the tiller's care becomes a pleas- 
ing epitome of different seasons and regions. And thus it is 
with the mind, which always repays us with usury the care 
we take to cultivate it. The liind is the soil which every 
man who knows how nobly he is descended, and for what 
great ends designed, is obliged to manage to disadvantage: a 
soil that is rich and fruitful, capable of immortal productions, 
and alone worthy of all its care. 

It is easy to imagine that the particular care the Romans 
took to improve the minds of their youth, in the latter times 
of the republic, must naturally give an additional merit and 
lustre to the great qualifications they otherwise possessed, by 
enabling them to excel alike in the field and at the bar, and 
to discharge the employments of the sword and gown wilh 
equal success. Generals themselves, sometimes through want 
of application to learning, lessen the glory of their victo- 
ries by dry, faint, and lifeless relations: and support but ill 
with their pens the achievments of their swords. How dif- 
ferent is this from Caesar,* Polybius,t ZenophonJ and Thu- 
cydides.§ who, by their lively descriptions, carry the reader 

* Julius Caesar, a distinguished Roman, killed March 15, 44 B. C. in the 
Roman senate. 

f Polybius, born at Megalopolis, 205 B. C? Both, with Caesar, popular 
t Zenophon, died 359 B. C. 5 writers of their own times. 

§ Thucydides, a distinguished Grecian historian, died 391 B. C. aged 80. 



24 Heading Lessons. 



o 



into the field of battle, lay before him the reason of the dis- 
position of their troops and the choice of their ground; point 
out to him the first onsets and progress of the battle, the in- 
conveniences intervening, and the remedies applied, the in- 
clining of victory to this or that side, and its cause, and by 
these different steps lead him, ns it were, by the hand to the 
event. The same may be said of negotiations, magistracies, 
offices of civil jurisdiction, commissions, in a word, of all the 
employments which oblige us either to speak in public or 
private, to write or give an account of our administration, to 
manage others, gain them over, or persuade them. And 
what employment is there where almost all these are not 
necessary? Nothing is more usual than to hear persons who 
have been in the world, and taught by a long course of ex- 
perience and serious reflection, bitterly complaining of the 
neglect of their education, and their not being brou^t up to 
a taste of learning, the use and value of which they begin too 
]ate to know. They own that this defect has kept them out 
of great employments, or left them unequal to those they 
have filled, or made them sink under their weight. 

When, upon certain great occasions, and in places of dis- 
tinction, we see a young magistrate, improved by learnings 
draw upon himself the applause of the public, what father 
would not rejoice to have such a son, and what son of any 
tolerable understanding would not be pleased with such 
success? All then agree to express their sense of the advan- 
tages of learning, and all perceive how capable it is of raising 
a man to a degree of superiority above his age, and often 
above his birth also. 

But though this study were of no other use than the ac- 
quiring a habit of labour, the making application less trou- 
blesome, the attaining a steadiness of mind and conquering 
our aversions to study and a sedentary life, or whatever else 
seems to lay a restraint upon us, it would still be of very 
great advantage. In reality it draws us off from idleness and 
intemperance, and usefully fills up the vacant hours which 
hang so heavy on many people's hands, and renders that 
leisure very agreeable which, without the assistance of litera- 
ture, is a kind of death, and in a manner the grave of a man 
alive. It enables us to pass a right judgment upon other men's 
labours, to enter into society with men of understanding, to 
keep the best, company, to have a share in the discourses of 
the most learned, to furnish out matter for conversation, 
without which we must be silent, to render it more agreeable 
by intermixing facts with reflections, and setting off the one 
by the other. — Rollin. 



Reading Lessons. 25 

Literature, to the man of studious and polite habits, always 
imparts her treasures for the accommodation and supply of 
every situation in life. The rich and the poor, the humble 
and the exalted, whether bond or free, need never resort to 
any of the fashionable expedients of killing an hour, if once 
they acquire a taste for this inexhaustible treasure. — Ed. 



ON PUNCTUATION". 

Punctuation is the art of marking in writing the several 
pauses or rests between sentences and the parts of sentences, 
according to their proper quantity or proportion, as they are 
expressed in a just and accurate pronunciation. As the seve- 
ral articulate sounds, the syllables and words of which sen- 
tences consist, are marked by letters, so the rests and pauses 
between sentences and their parts are marked points. But 
though the several articulate sounds are pretty fully and ex- 
actly marked by letters of known and determinate powers, 
yet the several pauses which are used in a just pronunciation 
of discourse are very imperfectly expressed by points. For 
the different degrees of connection between the several parls 
of sentences, and the different pauses in a just pronunciation^ 
which express those degrees of connexion according to their 
proper value, admit of great variety; but the whole number 
of points which we have to express this variety amounts only 
to four. Hence it is that we are under a necessity of ex- 
pressing pauses of the same quantity on different occasions 
by different points: and more frequently, of expressing pauses 
of different quantity by the same points; so that the doc- 
trine of punctuation must needs be very imperfect. Few pre- 
cise rules can be given which will hold without exception in 
all cases; but much must be left to the judgment and taste of 
the writer. 

On the other hand, if a greater number of marks were in- 
vented to express all the possible different pauses of pronun- 
ciation, the doctrine of them would be very perplexed and 
difficult, and the use of them would rather embarass than 
assist the reader. 

It remains, therefore, that we be content with the rules of 
punctuation, laid down with as much exactness as the nature 
of the subject will admit: such as may serve for a general 
direction, to be accommodated to different occasions, and to 



26 Beading Lesson*. 

be supplied, where deficient, by the writer's judgment. The 
several degrees of connection between sentences and between 
their principal constructive parts, rhetoricians have consi- 
dered under the following distinctions, as the most obvious 
and remarkable: — the period, colon, semicolon and comma. 

The period is the whole sentence complete in itself, want- 
ing nothing to make a full and perfect sense, and not con- 
nected in construction with a subsequent sentence. The 
colon, or member, is a chief constructive part, or greater 
division of a sentence. The semicolon, or half member, is a 
less constructive part, or subdivision of a sentence, or mem- 
ber. A sentence, or member, is again subdivided into com- 
mas, or segments, which are the least constructive parts of a 
sentence, or member, in this way of considering it: for the 
next subdivision would be the resolution of it into phrases 
and words. 

The grammarians have followed this division of the rheto- 
ricians, and have appropriated to each of these distinctions 
its mark, or point; which takes its name from the part of the 
sentence which it is employed to distinguish — as follows: 

The period "\ f . 

The colon . ., i i i • 

rr> u • , > is thus marked < 

Ine semicolon j ] ; 

The comma J [, 

The proportional quantit}- or time of the points, with re- 
spect to one another, is determined by the following general 
rule: the period is a pause in quantity or duration double that 
of the colon: the colon is double of the semicolon: and the semi- 
colon double of the comma. So that they are in the same pro- 
portion to one another as the semibrief, the minim, the crotchet 
and the quaver in music. The precise quantity or duration 
of each pause or note cannot be defined: for that varies with the 
time: and both in discourse and music the same composition 
may be rehearsed in a quicker or slower time: but in music 
the proportion between the notes remains ever the same: and 
in discourse, if the doctrine of punctuation were exact, the 
proportion between the pauses would be ever invariable. 

When a sentence is so far perfectly finished as to be un- 
connected in construction with the following sentence, it is 
marked with a period. In all cases the proportion of the 
several points in respect to one another is rather to be re- 
garded than their supposed precise quantity or proper office, 
when taken separately. 

Besides the points which mark the pauses in discourse, there 



Reading Lessons. 27 

are others which denote a different modulation of the voice 
in correspondence with the sense. These are 

The interrogation pointy C? 

The exclamation point > thus marked < ! 
The parenthesis ) {() 

The interrogation and exclamation points are sufficiently 
explained by their names; they are indeterminate as to their 
quantity or time, and may be equivalent in that respect to a 
semicolon, a colon, or a period, as the sense requires. They 
mark an elevation of the voice. The parenthesis encloses in 
the body of a sentence a member inserted into it which is 
neither necessary to the sense, nor at all affects the construc- 
tion. It marks a moderate depression of the voice, with a 
pause greater than a comma. — Lowth. 



CRITICISM. 

If I might advise a beginner in this elegant pursuit, it 
should be, as far as possible, to recur for principles to the 
most plain and simple truths, and to extend every theorem, 
as he advances, to its utmost latitude, so as to make it suit 
and include the greatest number of possible cases. I would 
advise him further to avoid subtle and far-fetched refinement, 
which, as it is for the most part averse to perspicuity and 
truth, may serve to make an able sophist but never an able 
critic. I would advise a young critic, in his contemplations, 
to turn his eye rather to the praiseworthy than the blameable; 
that is, to investigate the cause of praise rather than the causes 
of blame. For, though an uninformed beginner may in a sin- 
gle instance happen to blame properly, it is more than pro- 
bable that in the next he may fail, and incur the censure 
passed upon the criticising cobler: — Ne sutor ultra crepi- 
dam.* — Harris. 

* These are four Latin words, and when translated, signify that every 
man ought to stick to his own business, or literally, the cobler ought to ad- 
here to his last. Few men, comparatively speaking 1 , are ever prosperous 
'%& business who abandon their own trade for another's,— Ed. 



2$ Reading Lessons, 



LITERARY ELOQUENCE. 

When the appointment of General George Washington, as 
first magistrate of the United States, was officially announced 
to him, on the 14th of April, 1789,* he did not think himself at 
liberty to decline the appointment thus conferred on him by the 
unanimous voice of an entire people. His acceptance of it was 
announced in language fully expressive of his gratitude, and 
at the same time diffident of his just pretensions. " I wish, he 
said, that there may not be reason for regretting the choice, 
for indeed all I can promise is to accomplish that which can be 
done by an honest zeal." Knowing that the public business 
required the immediate attention of the president at the seat 
of government he hastened his departure for Philadelphia on 
the second day after the receipt of his commission; the senti- 
ments of veneration and affection which were felt by all classes 
of his fellow citizens were manifested by the most flatter- 
ing expressions of heart cheering respect, and no where more 
eloquently expressed than in the town of Alexandria,^ in Vir- 
ginia, through which he passed to the seat of government 
from Mount Vernon. § 

The following is the Letter from General Washington's 
neighbours, as he passed through Alexandria. 

"Again your country commands your care: — obedient to its 
wishes, unmindful of your ease, we see you again relinquish- 
ing the bliss of retirement; and this too at a period of life 
when nature itself seems to authorise a preference of repose. 
Not to extol your glory as a soldier: || not to pour forth our 
gratitude for past services; not to acknowledge the justice of 
the unexampled honour which has been conferred upon you, by 
the spontaneous and unanimous suffagres of three millions of 
freemen, in your election to the supreme magistracy; nor to 
admire the patriotism which directs your conduct; do your 

* General Washington was born in Virginia, 22d February, 1732. Obit 
December-14, 1799. 

f Seat of government, Philadelphia, afterwards removed to the City of 
Washington, in the District of Columbia. 

* Alexandria, in the District of Columbia, the seat of the general govern- 
ment. 

$ Mount Vernon, Washington's residence in Virginia. 

II The student should always remember Gen. Washington was the first 
and greatest general of the American army, and the first president of the 
United States. 



Beading Lessons. 29 

neighbours and friends now address you. Themes less splen- 
did but more endearing impress our minds. The first and 
best of citizens must leave us: our aged must lose their or- 
nament, our youth their model, our agriculture its improver, 
our commerce its friend, our infant academy its protector, 
our poor their benefactor, and the interior navigation of the 
Potomac! (an event replete with the most extensive utility, 
already by your unremitted exertions brought into partial 
use) its institute!* and promoter. Farewell! go! and make a 
grateful people happy, a people who will be doubly grateful 
when they contemplate this recent sacrifice for their interest. 
To that Being who rnaketh and unmaketh at his will we com* 
mend you; and after the accomplishment of the arduous busi- 
ness to which you are called, may he restore to us again the 
best of men and the most beloved fellow-citizen. 

To this affectionate address General Washington returned 
the following answer: 

Gentlemen: — Although I ought not to conceal, yet I can- 
not describe, the painful emotions which I felt in being called 
upon to determine whether I would accept or refuse the Presi- 
dency of the United States. The unanimity of the choice, the 
opinion of my friends, communicated from different parts of 
Europe as well as from America, the apparent wish of those? 
who were not entirely satisfied with the Constitution in its 
present form, and an ardent desire on my own part to be in- 
strumental in connecting the good will of my countrymen to>- 
wards each other, have induced an acceptance. Those who 
know me best (and you my fellow-citizens are from your situ- 
ation in that number) know better than any other, my love of 
retirement is so great, that no earthly consideration short of 
a conviction of duty could have prevailed upon me to depart 
from my resolution, never more to take any share in trans- 
actions of a public nature. For, at my age, and in my cir- 
cumstances, what prospects or advantages could I propose to 
myself from embarking again on the tempestuous and uncer- 
tain ocean of public life? I do not feel myself under the ne- 
cessity of making public declarations, in order to convince 
you, gentlemen, of my attachment to yourselves, and regard 
for your interests. The whole tenor of my life has been open to 
your inspection; and my past actions rather than my present; 
declarations must be the pledge of my future conduct. In the 
mean time I thank you most sincerely for the expressions of 

. \ Potomac, a principal river of the State of Virginia, now bounded by 
the District of Columbia, the capital of the United States.-— Ed, 

K 



So Heading Lessons. 

kindness contained in your valedictory address. It is true, 
just having bad adieu to my domestic connections, this tender 
proof of your friendships is but too well calculated, still fur- 
ther, to awaken my sensibility, and increase my regret at 
parting from the enjoyments of private life. All that now 
remains to me is to commit myself and you to the protection 
of that Benificent Being who, on a former occasion, hath hap- 
pily brought us together after a long and distressing separa- 
tion.* Perhaps the same gracious Providence will again in- 
dulge me. Unutterable sensations must then be left to more 
expressive silence, while, from an aching heart, I bid you all, 
my affectionate friends and kind neighbours, Farewell! 

f Fashing ton's Inauguration Speech to Congress, ZbthJlpril 

17S9. 

Fellow Citizens of the Senate and o\ the House of Representatives: 

Among the vicissitudes incident to life, no event could have 
filled me with greater anxieties than that of which the notifi- 
cation was transmitted by your order, and received on the 14th 
day of the present month. On the one hand I was summon- 
ed by my country, whose voice I can never hear but with vene- 
ration and love, from a retreat which I had chosen with the 
fondest predilection, and in my flattering hopes with an immu- 
table decision as the asylum of my declining years: a retreat 
which was rendered every day more necessary as well as more 
dear to me by the addition of habit to inclination, and of fre- 
quent interruptions in my health to the gradual waste com- 
mitted on it by time. On the other hand the magnitude and 
difficulty of the trust to which the voice of my country call- 
ed me being sufficient to awaken in the wisest and the most 
experienced of her citizens a distrustful scrutiny into his qua- 
lifications, could not overwhelm with despondence one who, 
inheriting inferior endowments from nature,, and unpractised 
in the duties of civil administration, ought to be peculiarly- 
conscious of his own deficiencies. In this conflict of emotions 
all I dare aver is, that it has been my faithful study to collect 
my duty from a just appreciation of every circumstance by 
which it might be effected. All I dare hope is, that if in ac- 
cepting this task I have been too much swayed by a grateful 
remembrance of former instances, or by an affectionate sensi- 
bility to this transcendant proof of the confidence of my fel- 
low-citizens, and have thence too little consulted my incapacity 

* Washington returned to his native state after the war, and pursued thf. 
pleasures of agriculture. 



Reading Lessons. tl 

as well as disinclination for the weighty and untried cares be- 
fore me, my error will be paliated by the motives which 
misled me, and its consequences be judged by my country 
with some share of the partiality in which they originated. 
Such being the impressions under which I have, in obedience 
to the public summons, repaired to the present station, it will 
be peculiarly improper to omit, in this first official act, my fer- 
vent supplications to that Almighty Being who rules over the 
universe — who presides in the councils of nations — and whose 
providential aids can supply every human defect — that his be- 
nediction may consecrate to the liberties and happiness of the 
people of the United States a government instituted by them- 
selves for these essential purposes — and may enable every in- 
strument employed in its administration to execute with suc- 
cess the functions allotted to his charge. In tendering this 
homage to the Great Author of every public and private good, 
I assure myself that it expresses your sentiments not less than 
my own, nor those of my fellow citizens at large less than ei- 
ther. No people ean be bound to acknowledge and adore 
the Invisible Hand which conducts the affairs of men more 
than the people of the United States. Every step by which 
they have advanced to the character of an independent nation 
seems to have been distinguished by some token of provi- 
dential agency; and in the important revolution just accom- 
plished in the system of their united government, the tranquil 
deliberations, and voluntary consent of so many distinct com- 
munities from which they resulted, cannot be compared with 
the means by which most governments have been established, 
without some return of pious gratitude along with an humble 
anticipation of the future blessings which the past seem to pre- 
sage. These reflections, arising out of the present crisis, have 
forced themselves too strongly on my mind to be suppressed. 
You will join with me I trust in thinking that there are none 
under the influence of which the proceedings of a new and 
free government can more auspiciously commence. By the 
article* establishing the executive department, it is made the 
duty of the President to recommend to your consideration 
such measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient. — 
The circumstances under which I now meet you will acquit 
me from entering into that subject farther than to refer to the- 
great constitutional charter under which you are assem- 
bled, and which, in defining your powers, designates the ob- 
jects to which your attention is to be given. It will be more 

* Constitution of the United States, 



32 Reading Lessons. 



5 



consistent with those circumstances, and far more congenial 
with the feelings which actuate me, to substitute, in place of a 
recommendation of particular measures, the tribute that is due 
to the talents, the rectitude, and the patriotism which adorn the 
characters selected to devise and adopt them. In these hon- 
ourable qualifications I behold the surest pledges that as on one 
side no local prejudices or attachments, no separate views nor 
party animosities will misdirect the comprehensive and equal 
eye which ought to watch over this great assemblage of com- 
munities and interests: so, on another, that the found at ions of 
our national policy will be laid in the pure and immuta- 
ble principles of private morality, and the pre-eminence of 
free government be exemplified by all the attributes which 
can win the affections of its citizens and command the res- 
pect of the world. I dwell on this prospect with every sa- 
tisfaction which an ardent love for my country can inspire, 
since there is no truth more thoroughly established than that 
there exists in the economy and course of nature an in- 
dissoluble union between virtue and happiness — between du- 
ty and advantage — between the genuine maxims of an honest 
and magnanimous policy, and the solid rewards of public pros- 
perity and felicity. Since we ought to be no less persuaded 
that the propitious smiles of heaven can never be expected 
on a nation that disregards the eternal rules of order and right 
which heaven itself has ordained: and since the preservation 
of the sacred fire of liberty, and the destiny of the republican 
model of government are justly considered as deeply, perhaps 
as finally, staked on the experiment intrusted to the hands of 
the American people. 

Besides the ordinary objects submitted to your care, it will 
remain with your judgment to decide how far an exercise of 
the occasional power delegated by the fifth* article of the 
constitution is rendered expedient, at the present juncture, 
by the nature of objections which have been urged against 
the system, or by the degree of inquietude which has given 
birth to them. Instead of undertaking particular recom- 
mendations on this subject, in which I could be guided by no 
lights derived from official opportunities, I shall again give 
way to my entire confidence in your discernment and pursuit 
of the public good: for I assure myself, that whilst you care- 
fully avoid every alteration that might endanger the benefits 
of a united and effective government, or which ought to await 

• This article prescibes the mode by which the people can amend the 
constitution. 



Reading Lessons. S3 

the future lessons of experience, a reverence for the charac- 
teristic rights of freemen, and a regard for the public har- 
mony, will sufficiently influence your deliberations on the 
question how far the former can be more impregnably for- 
tified, or the latter be safely and advantageously promoted. 
To the preceding observations I have one to add which will 
be most properly addressed to the house of representatives. 
It concerns myself, and will therefore be as brief as possible. 
When I was first honoured with a call into the service of 
my country, then on the eve of an arduous struggle for its 
liberties, the light in which I contemplated my duty required 
that I should renounce every pecuniary compensation. From 
this resolution I have in no instance departed. And, being 
still under the impressions which produced it, I must decline, 
as inapplicable to myself, any share in the personal emolu- 
ments which may be indispensably included in a permanent 
provision for the executive department; and must accordingly 
pray that the pecuniary estimates for the station in which I 
am placed, may, during my continuance in it, be limited to 
such actual expenditures as the public good may be thought, 
to require. Having thus imparted to you my sentiments as 
they have been awakened by the occasion which brings us 
together, I shall take my present leave; but not without re- 
sorting once more to the Benign Parent of the human race 
in humble supplication, that since he has been pleased to fa- 
vour the American people with opportunities for deliberating 
in perfect tranquillity, and dispositions for deciding with un- 
paralleled unanimity on a form of government for the secu- 
rity of their union and the advancement of their happiness, 
so his divine blessing may be equally conspicuous in the en- 
larged views, the temperate consultations, and the wise'mea- 
sures on which the success of this government must depend. 

The Senate's answer to the above Speech. 

The unanimous suffrage of the elective body in your fa- 
vour, is peculiarly expressive of the gratitude, confidence and 
affection of the citizens of America, and is the highest testi- 
monial at once of your merit and their esteem. We are sen- 
sible, sir, that nothing but the voice of your fellow-citizens 
could have called you from a retreat chosen with the fondest 
predilection, endeared by habit, and consecrated to the repose- 
of declining years. We rejoice, and with us all America, 
that, in obedience to the call of our common country, you 
have returned once more to public life. In you all parties 



34 Reading Lessons. 

confide; in you all interests unite; and we have no doubt that 
your past services, great as they have been, will be equalled 
by your future exertions; and that your prudence and saga- 
city as a statesman will tend to avert the dangers to which 
we are exposed, to give stability to the present government, 
and dignity and splendour to that country which your skill 
and valour as a soldier so eminently contributed to raise to 
independence and to empire. 

Address of the House of Representatives to the President. 

The Representatives of the people* of the United States 
present their congratulations on the event by which your fel- 
low-citizens have attested the pre-eminence of your merit. 
You have long held the first p ! ace in their esteem. You have 
often received tokens of their affection. You now possess 
the only proof that remained of their gratitude for your ser- 
vices, of their reverence for your wisdom, and of their confi- 
dence in your virtues. You enjoy the highest, because the 
truest, honor of being the first magistrate, by the unanimous 
choice of the freest people on the face of the earth. 

We well know the anxieties with which you must have obey- 
ed the summons from the repose reserved for your declining 
years into public scenes, of which you had taken your leave 
for ever. But obedience was due to the occasion. It is al- 
ready applauded by the universal joy which welcomes you 
to your station. And, we cannot doubt, that it will be re- 
warded with all the satisfaction with which an ardent love 
for your fellow-citizens must review successful efforts to pro- 
mote their happiness. 

This anticipation is not justified merely by the past expe- 
rience of your signal services. It is particularly suggested 
by the pious impressions under which you commence your 
administration, and the enlightened maxims by which you 
mean to conduct it. We feel, with you, the strongest obli- 
gations to adore the Invisible Hand which has led the Ame- 
rican people through so many difficulties, to cherish a con- 
scious responsibility for the destiny of republican liberty, 
and to seek the only sure means of preserving and recommend- 
ing the precious deposit in a system of legislation founded on 
the principles of an honest policy, and directed by the spirit 
of a diffusive patriotism. 

* This is the term used to distinguish the lower from the upper house 
of congress; the lower house is called the house of representatives, the up- 
per the senate — united they are the congress. They meet annually at the 
City of Washington to make and amend the national laws. 



Beading Lessons. 85 

In forming the pecuniary provisions for the executive de- 
partment, we shall not lose sight of a wish resulting from 
motives which give it a peculiar claim to our regard.* Your 
resolution, in a moment critical to the liberties of your coun- 
try, to renounce all personal emolument, was among the 
many presages of your patriotic services, which have been 
amply fulfilled; and your scrupulous adherence now to the 
law then imposed on yourself, cannot fail to demonstrate the 
purity, whilst it increases the lustre of a character which has 
so many titles to admiration. 

Such are the sentiments with which we have thought fit 
to address you. They flow from our own hearts, and we 
verily believe that among the millions we represent there is 
not a virtuous citizen whose heart will disown them. All 
that remains, is, that we join in your fervent supplications 
for the blessing of Heavent on our country; and that we add 
our own for the choicest of these blessings on the most be- 
loved of her citizens. 

Copy of a Letter from the British Spy, by an American 

•Author. 

Richmond, October 15. 

Men of talents in this country, my dear B , have been 

generally bred to the profession of the law; and, indeed, 
throughout the United States I have met with few persons of 
exalted intellect whose powers have been directed to any- 
other pursuit. The bar in America is the road to honour, and 
hence, although the profession is graced by the most shining 
geniuses on the continent, it is incumbered, also, by a melan- 
choly group of young men who hang on the rear of the bar, 
like Goethe's sable clouds, in the western horizon. I have 
been told that the bar of Virginia was a few years ago pro- 
nounced, by the Supreme Court of the United States, to be the 
most enlightened and able on the continent. I am very in- 
competent to decide on the merit of their legal acquirements; 
but putting aside the partiality of a Briton,* I do not think 

* Why this house, and not the senate, answers this part of the president's 
address: — " All bills for raising- revenue shall originate in this house" — Cori' 
stiiution of the United States. 

f It is not only the wisest counsel to conclude our grateful acknowledg- 
ments with fervent supplications for the blessing of Heaven to rest upon 
our benefactor, but it is the part of duty. — Ed. 

* Briton: this term seems to have been used to disguise the author's pen. 
Like the British Junius he had thus for a while concealed his merit, but, 
unlike Junius, his subsequent displays of professional talent seated him 
securely in the cabinet of the national government. —Ed. 



36 Reading Lessons. 



3 



either of the gentlemen by any means so eloquent or so eru- 
dite as our countryman Erskine. With your permission, how- 
ever, I will make you better acquainted with the few charac- 
ters who lead the van of the profession. Mr. has great 

personal advantages. A figure large and portly, his features 
uncommonly fine, his dark eyes and his whole countenance 
lighted up with an expression of the most conciliating sensi- 
bility, his attitudes dignified and commanding, his gesture ea- 
sy and graceful, his voice perfect harmony, and his whole 
manner that of an accomplished and engaging gentleman. I 
have reason to believe that the expression of his countenance 
does no more than justice to his heart. If I be correctly in- 
formed, his feelings are exquisite — and the proofs of his be- 
nevolence are various and clear, beyond the possibility of 
doubt. He has filled the highest offices in this common- 
wealth, and has very long maintained a most respectable rank 
in his profession. His character with the people is that of a 
great lawyer and an eloquent speaker: and, indeed, so many 
men of discernment and taste entertain this opinion, and my 
prepossessions in his favour are so strong, on account of the 
amiable qualities of his character, that I am very well dis- 
posed to doubt the accuracy of my own judgment as it re- 
lates to him. 

To me, however, it seems that his mind, as is often, but 
not invariably the case, corresponds with his personal ap- 
pearance, — that is, that it is turned rather for ornament than 
for severe use. His speeches, I think, deserve the censure 
which Lord Verulam pronounces on the writers posterior to 
the reformation of the church. Luther,* says he, standing 
alone against the Church of Rome, found it necessary to 
awake all antiquity in his behalf; this introduced the study 
of the dead languages — a taste for the fulness of the Cieero- 
nean manner: and hence the still prevalent error of hunting 
more after words than matter, and more after the choiceness 
of the phrase, and the round and clear composition of the 
sentence, and the sweet fallings of the clauses, and the vary- 
ing illustration of their works with tropes and figures, than 
after the weight of matter, worth of subject, soundness of 
argument, life of invention, or depth of judgment. 

Mr. ? s temper and habits lead him to the swelling, 

stately manner of Bolingbroke,t but, either from the want of 

* The first reformer, who successfully foiled the ambition of the pope of 
Rome, and lessened his influence in the Christian church. He died 1544. 
t Lord Bolingbroke, a distinguished British writer, died 1751, aged 74, 



Reading Lessons. 37 

promptitude and richness of conception, or his too sedulous 
concern and hunting after words, he does not maintain that 
manner smoothly and happily. On the contrary, the spirits 
of his hearers, after having been awakened and put into sweet 
and pleasant motion, have their tide not unfrequently checked, 
ruffled, and painfully obstructed, by the hesitation and per- 
plexity of the speaker. It certainly must demand, my dear 

S , a mind of very high powers to support the swell of 

Bolingbroke with felicity. The tones of voice which natu- 
rally belong to it keep the expectation continually on tiptoe, 
and this must be gratified, not only by the most oily fluency, 
but by a course of argument clear as light, and an alternate 
play of imagination as grand and magnificent as Herschell's* 
dance of the sidereal system. The work requires to be perpe- 
tually urged forward. One interruption in the current of the 
language, one poor thought or abortion of fancy, one vacant 
aversion of the eye or relaxation in the expression of face, 
entirely breaks and dissolves the whole charm. The speaker, 
indeed, may go on, and evolve, here and there, a pretty 
thought — but the wonderous magic of the whole is gone 
for ever. Whether it be from any defect in the organization 

of Mr. S 's mind, or that his passion for the line dress of 

his thoughts is the master passion which, like Aaron's serpent,t 
swallows up the rest, 1 will not undertake to decide; but per- 
haps it results from one of those two causes, that all the argu- 
ments which I have ever heard from him are defective in that 
important and most material character — the lucidus ordo.% 
I have been sometimes inclined to believe, that a man's divi- 
sion of his argument would be generally found to contain a 
secret history of the difficulties which he himself has encoun- 
tered in the investigation of his subject. I am firmly per- 
suaded that the extreme prolixity of many discourses to which 
we are doomed to listen, is chargeable, not to the fertility, 
but to the darkness and impotence of the brain which pro- 
duces them. A man who sees his object in a strong light 
marches directly up to it in a right line, with the firm step 
of a soldier, while another, residing in a less illumined zone, 
wanders and reels in the twilight of the brain, and, ere he 
obtain his object, treads a maze as intricate and perplexing 

* Dr. Herschell, a justly celebrated astronomer, who discovered a remote 
planet in 1781, which now bears his name in the plant tary system. — Ed. 
^ f Aaron's serpent. See Exodus, iv, 4, for a full and interesting' illustra- 
tion of this metaphor. 

t Lucidus ordo mav be translated here lucid order, or plain arrangement. 
—Ed, 

F 



'35 Reading Lessons. 

as that of the celebrated labyrinth of Crete.* It was remarka* 
ble of the chief-justice of the United States, whom 1 mentioned 
to you in a former letter as looking through a subject at a sin- 
gle glance — that he almost invariably seized one strong point 
only — the pivot of the controversy: this point he would en- 
force with all his powers, never permitting his own mind to 
waver, nor obscuring those of his hearers by a cloud of in- 
ferior, unimportant considerations. But this is not the man- 
ner of Mr. . I suspect, that in the preparatory inves- 
tigation of a subject, he gains his ground by slow and labo- 
rious gradations, and that his difficulties are numerous and 
embarassing. Hence it is, perhaps, that his points are gene- 
rally too multifarious; and, although, among the rest, he ex- 
hibits the strong point, its appearance is too often like that 
of Isaachert " bowed down between two burdens. " I take 
this to be a very ill-judged method. It may serve, indeed, 
to make the multitude stare: but it frustrates the great pur- 
pose of the speaker. Instead of giving a simple, lucid and 
animated view of a subject, it overloads, confounds and fa- 
tigues the listener. Instead of leaving him under the viva- 
city of clear and full conviction, it leaves him bewildered, 
darkling and asleep, and, when he awakes, he 

Wakes merging from a sea of dreams tumultuous, 



Where his wreck'd, desponding" thought, 
From wave to wave of wild uncertainty 
At random drove, her helm of reason lost." 

I incline to believe that if there be a blemish of the mind 
of this amiable gentleman, it is the want of a strong and mas- 
culine judgment; if such an agent had wielded the sceptre of 
his understanding, it is presumable that, ere this, it would 
have chastised his exuberant fondness for literary finery, and 
the too ostentatious and unfortunate parade of points in his 
argument, ;{; on which I have just commented. If I may con- 
fide in the replies that I have heard given to him at the bar, 
this want of judgment is sometimes manifested in his selec- 
tion and application of law cases. But of this I can judge only 
from the triumphant air with which his adversaries seize his 

* Crete, an ancient city of Greece, was conquered by the Romans after 
a two years' war. This historic reference is worthy of each classic student's 
attentive observation. 

j- Look at Genesis xlix, 15, for this descriptive reference of the eloquent 
writer. 

t This is a usual expression in forensic parlance, and signifies the division 
the speaker makes of his subject under debate — generally in numerical 
order, as 1st, 2d, 3d, &c. points of argument. — Ed* 



Reading Lessons. 39 

cases, and appear to turn them against him. He is certainly a 
man of close and elaborate research. It would seem to me, 
however, my dear S , that, in order to constitute a sci- 
entific lawyer,* something more is necessary than the patient 
and persevering revolution of the leaves of an author. Does 
it not require a discernment sufficiently clear and strong to 
evicerate the principles of each case: a judgment potent 
enough to digest, connect and systematise them, and to distin- 
guish at once, in any futuie combination of circumstances, the 
very feature which gives or refuses to a principle a just appli 
cation? Without such intellectual properties, I should conjec- 
ture (for on this subject I can only conjecture) that a man could 
not h we the fair advantage and perfect command of his read- 
ing. For, in the first place, I should apprehend that he would 
never discover the application of a case without the recurrence 
of all the same circumstances; — in the next place, that his ca- 
ses would form a perfect chaos, a rudis indigestaque moles! 
in his brain;— and lastly, that he would often, and sometimes 
perhaps fatally, mistake the identifying feature, and furnish 
his antagonist with a formidable weapon against himself. But 
let me fly from this entangled wiHerness, of which I have so 

little knowledge, and return to Mr. ; although, when 

brought to the standard of perfect oratory, he may be subject 
to the censures which I have passed on him, yet it is to be ac- 
knowledged, and I make the acknowledgment with pleasure, 
that he is a man of extensive reading, a well informed lawyer, 
a fine belles lettres% scholar, and sometimes a beautiful speak- 
er. The gentleman who has been pointed out to me as hold- 
ing the next, if not an equal grade in the profession, is 

Mr. ; he is, I am told, upwards of forty years of age; — 

but his look I think is more juvenile. As to stature, he is 
ttbout the ordinary height of men, his form genteel, his per- 
son agile. He is distinguished by a quickness of look, a 
sprightly step, and that peculiarly jaunty air which I have 
heretofore mentioned as characterising the people of New- 
York. It is an air, however, which, perhaps because I am a 
plain son of John Bull,§ is not entirely to my taste. Striking, 
indeed it is highly genteel, and calculated for eclal : , but then 
I fear that it may be censured as being too artificial: as having 

* A scientific lawyer is one who has not only a practical knowledge of 
his profession, but is well versed in, and prepared to teach its fundamental 
principles. 

f Rudis indigestaque moles. Translated— a rude and confused mass.— Ed.. 

$ Belle* Lettres, or polite literature. 

§ John Bull is a derisive phrase, peculiarly applied to Great Britain— its 
ang-in may be hereafter noticed at length, 



40 Reading Lessons. 

therefore too little appearance of connection with the heart, 
too little of that amiable simplicity, that winning softness, 
that vital warmth, which I have felt in the manner of a certain 
friend of mine. This objection, however, is not meant to 
touch his heart. I do not mean to censure his sensibility or 
his virtues. The remark applies only to the mere exterior 
of his manners, and even the censure which I have pronounc- 
ed on that, is purely the result of a different taste, which is at 

least as probably wrong; as that of Mr. ■ . Indeed, my 

dear S , I have seen few eminent men in this, or any 

other country, who have been able so far to repress the exulting 
pride of conscious talents, as to put on the behaviour which is 
calculated to win the hearts of the people. I mean that be- 
haviour which steers between a low-spirited, cringing syco- 
phancy and ostentatious condescension on the one hand, and 
a haughty self-importance and supercilious contempt of one's 
fellow creatures on the other: that behaviour in which, while 
a man displays a just respect for his own feelings and charac- 
ter, he seems, nevertheless, to concenter himself with the dis- 
position and inclinations of the person to whom he speaks; 
in a word, that happy behaviour in which versatility and can- 
dour, modesty and dignity, are sweetly and NarmjfHiiousEv at- 
tempered and blended. Any Englishman but yourself, my 

S , would easily recognize the origin 1 from which this 

latter picture is drawn. This leads me off from the i haraeter 
of Mr. , to remark a moral defect which I have sever- 
al times observed in this country. Many weil-meaniixg men, 
having heard much of the hollow ceremonious professions and 
hypocritical grimace of courts, disgusted with every thing 
which savours of aristocratic or monarchic parade, and smit- 
ten with the love of republican simplicity and honesty, have 
fallen into a ruggednessof deportment a thousand times more 
proud, more intolerable and disgusting, than Shakspeareta 
foppish lord, with his chin new reaped and pouueet-box. 
They scorn to conceal their thoughts; and in the expression 
of them confound bluntness with honesty. Their opinions 
are all dogmas. It is perfectly immaterial to them what any 
one else may think. Nay, many of them seem to have for- 
gotten that others can think or feel at all. In pursuit of the 
haggard phantom republicanism,* they dash on, like Sir Joseph 
Banks giving chase to the Emperor of Morocco, regardless 

* This phrase is inexcusable, even in a Briton, while he is partaking of the 
generous hospitality of a free country. — Ed. 



Reading Lessons. 41 

of the sweet and tender blossoms of sensibility, which fall, 
and bleed, and die, behind them. What an error is this my 
dear S . 

I am frequently disposed to ask such men — think you that 
the stern and implacable Achilles* was an honester man than 
the gentle, humane and considerate HectorPt Was the arro- 
gant and imperious Alexander^ an honester man than the 
meek, compassionate and amiable Cyrus?§ Was the proud, 
the rough, the surly Cato more honest than the soft, polite 
and delicate Scipio Africanus?|| In short, are not honesty 
and humanity compatible? And what is the most genuine 
and captivating politeness, but humanity refined? But to re- 
turn from this digression. The qualities by which Mr. 

strikes the multitude are his ingenuity and his wit. But 
those who look more closely into the anatomy of his mind, 
discover many properties of much higher dignity and impor- 
tance. This gentleman, in my opinion, unites in himself a 
greater diversity of talents and acquirements than any other 
at the bar of Virginia. He has the reputation, and I doubt 
not a just one, of possessing much legal science. He has an 
exquisite and highly cultivated taste for polite literature, a 
genius quick and fertile, a style pure and classic, a stream of 
perspicuous and beautiful elocution, an ingenuity which no 
difficulties can entangle or embarass, and a wit, whose vivid 
and brilliant corruscations can gild and decorate the darkest 
subject. He chooses his ground, in the first instance, with 
great judgment: and when, in the progress of a cause, an un- 
expected evolution of testimony, or intermediate decisions 
from the bench, have beaten that ground from under him, 
he possesses a happy, an astonishing versatility, by which 
he is enabled at once to take a new position, without appear- 
ing to have lost an atom, either in the measure or stability 
of his basis. This is a faculty which I have observed before, 
in an inferior degree; but Mr. is so adroit, so supe- 
rior, in the execution of it, that in him it appears a new and 
peculiar talent. His statements, his narrations, his arguments, 

* Achilles died 1184 years before the Christian sera; he was said to be 
always so clad in armour, as to be impenetrable to his enemy's weapons, 
every where but in his heel. 

f Hector was also a distinguished Trojan general, who died the same 
year with Achilles. 

* Alexander the Great founded the Grecian empire, 331, and died at 
Babylon, 323 15. C- aged 32. 

$ Cyrus died 529 years before the Christian xra. 

II Scipio Africanus, a consummate Koman general, who defeated Han- 
nibal. 



42 Heading Lessons. 

are all as transparent as the light of day: he reasons logically, 
and declaims very handsomely. It is true, he never bran- 
dishes the Olympic* thunder of Homert but then he seldom, 
if ever, sinks beneath the chaste and attractive majesty of 
Virgil. His fault is, that he has not veiled his ingenuity 
with sufficient address. Hence, I am told, that he is consi- 
dered as a Proteus:;}: and the courts are disposed to doubt their 
senses, even when he appears in his proper shape But, in 

spite of this adverse and unpropitious distrust, Mr. 's 

popularity is still in its flood, and he is justly considered as 
an honour and an ornament to his profession. 

Adieu, my friend, for the present. Ere long we may 
take another tour through this gallery of portraits, if more 

interesting objects do not call us off. Again, my S , 

good night. 



LESSONS FHOM THE ECONOMY* OF HUMAN LIFE- 

CONSIDERATION. 

1. — Commune with thyself, man! and consider where- 
fore thou wert made. 

2. — Contemplate thy powers; contemplate thy wants, and 
thy connections; so shall thou discover the duties of life, and 
be directed in all thy ways. 

3. — Proceed not to speak nor to act before thou hast weigh- 
ed thy words and examined the tendency of every step thou 
shalt take; so shall disgrace fly far from thee, and in thy 
house shall shame be a stranger; repentance shall not visit 
thee, nor sorrow dwell upon thy cheek. 

4. — The thoughtless bridle not their tongues, they speak at 
random, and are entangled in the foolishness of their own 
words. 

5. — Harken, therefore, young man, unto the voice of consi- 



* Olympic, this is in allusion to the lofty Olympus, above which it is said 
no bird directs his flight. 

f Homer, the most famous Greek poet and beggar. About 160 years 
before Rome was founded seven cities contended for his birth place, among 
which were Athens, Smyrna and Rhodes. 

* Proteus, a heathen god, son of Neptune. He was one of the gods of 
the sea, and said to be gifted with the spirit of prophesy, and could change 
himself into different shapes. — Ed. 



Reading Lessons. 43 

deration: her words are the words of wisdom, her paths lead 
to safety and truth. 



MODESTY. 

1. — Who art thou, mortal, that presumest on thine own 
wisdom; or why dost thou vaunt thyself on thine own ac- 
quirements? 

2. — The first step to knowledge is to know that thou art 
ignorant; and if thou wouldest not be thought foolish in the 
judgment of others, cast off* thy folly of being wise in thine 
own conceit. 

3. — As a plain garment most adorneth a beautiful woman, 
so a decent behaviour is the greatest ornament of true wis- 
dom. 

4. — The speech of a modest man giveth lustre to truth, and 
the diffidence of his words absolveth his error. 

5. — The modest man turneth his ear from his own praise, 
and disbelieveth it; he is not ready to boast of his own per- 
fections. But the vain man is puffed up with the vanity of his 
own imagination: his delight is to hear and speak of himself 
all the day long: he clotheth himself in rich attire, he walk- 
eth in the public street; he casteth round his eyes to court 
the observations of every one. 

6. — He tosseth up his head and overlooketh the poor: he 
treateth his inferiors with insolence, and his superiors, in 
return, look down on his pride and folly with laughter. He 
despiseth the judgment of others, he relieth on his own opin- 
ion and is confounded. 



APPLICATION. 

1. — Whatsoever thou resolveth to do, do it quickly. Defer 
not till the evening what the morning may accomplish. 

2. — Idleness is the parent of want and of pain, but the la- 
bour of virtue bringeth forth pleasure; the hand of diligence 
defeateth want: prosperity and success are the industrious 
man's attendants. 

3. — He that riselh early and lieth down late, exerciseth 
his mind with contemplation and his body with action, and 
preserveth the health of both; he is spoken of in the city 
with praise, his counsel is regarded. 

4. — The slothful man is a burden to himself, his hours 
hang heavy on his head; he loitereth about the streets, know- 
ing not what to do with himself. 



44 Reading Lessons. 

5. — His days pass away like the shadow of a cloud, and he 
leaveth behind him no mark for remembrance. 

6. — He would eat of the almond, but hateth the trouble of 
breaking the shell. 



EMULATION. 

1. — If thy soul thirsteth for honour, if thy ear hath any plea 
sure in the voice of praise, raise thyself from the dust, where 
of thou art made — and exalt thy aim to something that is 
praiseworthy. 

2. — The oak tree that now spreadeth its branches towards 
the heavens was once but an acorn in the bowels of the earth. 

3. — Endeavour to be first in thy calling, whatever it may 
be; neither let any one go before thee in well doing; never- 
theless, do not envy the merits of another, but so strive to im- 
prove thyself that thou mayest equal his deserts. 

4. — Scorn also to depress thy competitor by any dishonest 
or unworthy means, but strive to raise thyself above 
him only by excelling him; for they who contend for superi- 
ority honourably, are called honourable, even if they are not 
Successful.* 



PRUDENCE. 

1. — Hear the words of prudence, give heed to her counsels 
and store them in thine heart; her maxims are universal, and 
all the virtuous confide in her. She is the guide and mis- 
tress of human life. 

2. — Put a bridle on thy tongue, set a guard before thy lips, 
lest the words of thine own mouth destroy thy peace. 

3. — Let him that scoffeth at the lame take care that he 
become not lame himself: whosoever speaketh of another's 
failings with pleasure shall hear of his own with bitterness of 
heart and sorrow. 

4. — Of much speaking cometh repentance, but in silence 
safety. 

5. — A talkative man is a nuisance to society; the ear is 
sick of his babbling, the torrent of his words overwhelmeth 
conversation. 

6. — A bitter jest is the poison of friendship; and he who 
cannot restrain his tongue shall have trouble and disappoint- 
ment. 

• * In great attempts 'tis glorious e'en to fail." — Ed, 



Reading Lesson*. 4* 

7. — Furnish thyself with the proper accommodations be- 
longing to thy condition; yet spend not to the utmost of wjiat 
thou canst afford, that the providence of thy youth may be a 
comfort to thy old days. 

8. — Avarice is the parent of evil deeds; but frugality is the 
sure guardian of many virtues. 

9. — Let thine own business engage thy attention; let the 
care of the state be confided to the governors thereof. 

10. — Let not thy recreations be expensive, lest the pain of 
purchasing them exceed the pleasure of their enjoyment. 

11. — Neither let prosperity put out the eyes of circum- 
spection, nor abundance cut off the hands of frugality: he that 
too much indulgeth in the superfluities of life, shall have to la- 
ment the waste of its necessities. 

12. — From the experience of others, do thou learn wisdom; 
and from their failings correct thine own faults. 

13. — Trust no man before thou hast tried him, yet mis- 
trust no man without reason, it is uncharitable and wicked. 



THE BIBLE. 

A nation must be truly blessed, if it were governed by no 
other laws than those of this blessed Book; it is so complete 
a system, that nothing can be added to or taken from it; it 
contains every thing needful to be known or done; it affords 
a copy for a king, and a rule for a subject; it gives instruction 
and council to a senate; authority and direction to a magis- 
trate; it cautions a witness, requires an impartial verdict of 
a jury, and furnishes a judge with his sentence; it sets the 
husband as lord of the household, and the wife as mistress of 
the table; tells him how to rule, and her how to manage. 
It entails honour to parents, and enjoins obedience upon chil- 
dren; it prescribes and limits the sway of the sovereign, the 
rule of the ruler, and authority of the master; commands the 
subjects to honour, and the servants to obey; and promises 
the blessing and protection of its author to all that walk by 
its rules. It gives directions for weddings and for burials; 
it promises food and raiment, and limits the use of both; it 
points out a faithful and eternal Guardian to the departing 
husband and father; tells him with whom to leave his father- 
less children, and in whom his widow is to trust; and pro 
mises a father to the former, and a husband to the latter. 
It teaches a man how he ought to set his house in order, and 

G 



46 Reading Lessons, 

how to make his will; it appoints a dowry for the wife, and 
entails the right of the first born; and shows how the younger 
branches shall be left. It defends the rights of all, and re- 
veals vengeance to the defrauder, over-reaeher, and oppres- 
sor. It is the first book, the best book, and the oldest book 
in the world. It contains the choicest matter, gives the best 
instruction, and affords the greatest pleasure and satisfaction 
that ever were revealed. It contains the best laws and pro- 
foundest mysteries that ever were penned. It brings the 
best of tidings, and affords the best of comfort to the inquir- 
ing and disconsolate. It exhibits life and immortality, and 
shows the way to everlasting glory. It is a brief recitai of all 
that is past, and a certain prediction of all that is to come. 
It settles all matters in debate, resolves all doubts, and eases 
the mind and conscience of all their scruples. It reveals the 
only living and true God, and shows the way to him; and 
sets aside all other gods, and describes the vanity of them, 
and of all that put their trust in them. — In short, it is a book 
of laws, to show right and wrong; a book of wisdom, that con- 
demns all folly and makes the foolish wise; a book of truth, 
that detects all lies, and confutes all errors; and a book of lite, 
that shows the way from everlasting death. 

It is the most compendious book in all the world; the most 
authentic and entertaining history that ever was published; 
it contains the most early antiquities, strange events, wonder- 
ful occurrences, heroics deeds, and unparalleled wars. It 
describes the celestial, terrestrial, and infernal worlds, and 
the origin of the angelic myriads, human tribes, and infernal 
legions. It will instruct the most ski'ful mechanic, and the 
finest artist; it will teach the brst rhetorician, and exercise 
every power of the most expert arithmetician, puzzle the 
wisest anatomist, and exercise the nicest critic. It corrects 
the vain philosopher, and guides the wisest astronomer, it ex- 
poses the subtle sophist, and makes diviners mad. It is a 
complete code of laws, a perfect body of divinity, an un- 
equalled narrative; a book oi lives, a book of travels, a book 
of voyages It is the best covenant that ever was agreed on, 
the best deed that ever was sealed, the best evidence thai ever 
was produced, the best will that ever was made, and the best 
testament that ever was signed To understand it, is to be 
wise indeed; to be ignorant of it, is to be destitute of wisdom. 
It is the king's best copy, the magistrate's best rule, the 
housewife's best guide, the servant's best directory, and the 
young man's best companion. It is the school boy's spelling- 



Reading Lessons. 47 

book, and the learned man's master-piece: it contains a choice 
grammar for a novice, and a profound treatise for a sage; it 
is the ignorant man's dictionary. It affords knowledge of 
witty inventions for the ingenious, and dark sayings for the 
grave; and it is its own interpreter. It encourages the wise, 
the warrior, the racer and the overcomer; and promises an 
eternal reward to the conqueror. And that which drowns 
all is, that the Author is "without hypocrisy; in whom is no 
variableness, nor shadow of turning." 



LESSONS IN POETR1T 



SPIRIT OF FREEDOM. 

Spirit of Freedom! who thy home hast made 
In wilds and wastes, where wealth has never trod, 
Nor bowed her coward head before her god, 
The sordid deity of fraudful trade; 
Where power has never reared his iron brow, 
And glared his glance of terror, nor has blown 
The maddening trump of battle, nor has flown 
His blood-thirst eagles; where no flatterers bow. 
And kiss the foot that spurns them; where no throne, 
Bright with the spoils from nations wrested, towers, 
The idol of a slavish mob, who herd, 
Where largess feeds their sloth with golden showers* 
And thousands hang upon one tyrant's word — 

Spirit of Freedom! thou, who dwellest alone, 
Unblenched, unyielding, on the storm -beat shore, 
And findest a stirring music in its roar, 
And lookest abroad on earth and sea, thy own- 
Far from the city's noxious hold, thy foot, 
Fleet as the wild deer bounds, as if its breath 
Were but the rankest, foulest steam of death; 
Its soil were but the dunghill, where the root 
Of every poisonous weed and baleful tree 
Grew vigorously and deeply, till their shade 
Had chok'd and killed each wholesome plant, and laid 
In rottenness the flower of Liberty— 



Lessons in Poetr§. 49 

Thou flyest to the desert, and its sands 
Become thy welcome shelter, where the pure 
Wind gives its freshness to thy roving bands, 
And languid weakness finds its only cure; 
Where few their wants, and bounded their desires, 
And life all spring and action, they display 
Man's boldest flights, and highest, warmest fires, 
And beauty wears her loveliest array— 

Spirit of Freedom! I would with thee dwell, 
Whether on Afric's* sand, or Norway's! crags, 
Or Kansa's prairies, for thou lovest them well, 
And there thy boldest daring never flags; 
Or I would launch with thee upon the deep, 
And like the petrel make the wave my home, 
And careless as the sportive sea-bird roam; 
Or with the chamois on the Alp would leap, 
And feel myself upon the snow-clad height, 
A portion of that undimmed flow of light, 
No mist nor cloud can darken — 0! with thee, 
Spirit of Freedom! deserts, mountains, storms, 
Would wear a glow of beauty, and their forms 
Would soften into loveliness, and be 
Dearest of earth, for there my soul is free.— >PercivaL 

HOME. 

There is a spot, a quiet spot, which blooms 

On earth's cold, heartless desert. It hath power 

To give a sweetness to the darkest hour, 

As in the starless midnight, from the rose, 

Now dipt in dew, a sweeter perfume flows; 

And suddenly the wanderer's heart assumes. 

New courage, and he keeps his course along, 

Cheering the darkness with a whispered song: 

At every step a purer, fresher air 

Salutes him, and the winds of morning bear 

* Afric, is an abreviation of Africa, one of the quarters of the World. — Ed} 
f Norway, a kingdom in the N. of Europe, now united to Denmark.— 3> 



jO Lessons in Poetry. 

Soft odours from the violet beds and vines; 

And thus he wanders, till the dawning shines 

Above the misty mountains, and a hue 

Of vermeil blushes on the cloudless blue, 

Like health disporting; on the downy cheek — 

It is time's fairest moment — as a dove 

Shading the earth with azure wings of love — Percivd. 

ROSE OF MY HEART. 

Rose of my heart! I have raised for thee a bower, 

For thee have bent the pliant osier round, 

For thee have carpeted with turf the ground, 

And trained a canopy to shield thy flower, 

So that the warmest sun can have no power 

To dry the dew from off thy leaf, and pale 

Thy living carmine, but a woven veil 

Of full, green vines shall guard from heat and shower — 

Rose of my heart! here, in this dim alcove, 

No worm shall nestle, and no wandering bee 

Shall suck thy sweets, no blight shall wither thee, 

But thou shalt show the freshest hue of love, 

Like the red stream, that from Adonis* flowed, 

And made the snow carnation, thou shalt blush, 

And fays shall wander from their bright abode 

To flit enchanted round thy loaded bush. 

Bowed with thy fragrant burden, thou shalt bend 

Thy slender twigs and thorny branches low: 

Vermilion and the purest foam shall blend; 

These shall be pale, and those in youth's first glow: 

Their tints shall form one sweetest harmony, 

And on some leaves the damask shall prevail, 

"Whose colours melt, like the soft symphony 

Of flutes and voices in the distant dale. 

The bosom of that flower shall be as white 

As hearts that love, and love alone, are pure, 

* Adonis, the name of a beautiful youth, whom the poets say Venus 
changed into a lovely flower at his death, and called it the Anemone. — ZJeJ. 



Lessons in Poetry. 51 

Its tip shall blush, as beautiful and bright, 

As are the gayest streaks of dawning light, 

Or rubies set within a brimming ewer. 

Rose of my Heart! there thou shalt ever bloom. 

Safe in the shelter of my perfect love, 

And when they lay thee in the dark cold tomb, 

I'll find thee out a better bower above. — Percival. 



"OH! THERE IS A BLISS IN TEARS!- 

"0! there is a bliss in tears*' in tears that flow 
From out a heart, where tender feelings dwell, 
That heaveth, with involuntary swell 
Of joy or grief, for others' weal or wo — 
The highest pleasures fortune can bestow, 
The proudest deeds that victory can tell, 
The charms that beauty weaveth in her spell, 
These holy, happy tears how far below: 
Yes, I would steal me from life's gaudy show, 
And seek a covert in a silent shade, 
And where the cheating lights of being glow, 
See glory after glory dimly fade, 
And knowing all my brighter visions o'er, 
Deep in my bosom's core my sorrows lay, 
And thence the fountains of repentance pour, 
Gush after gush, in purer streams away.— lb, 

PATRIOTISM. 

My country — at the sound of that dear name 
The wanderer's heart awakens, nerved and bold; 
Before him stand the deeds and days of old, 
The tombs of ages and the rolls of fame, 
Sculptured in columns where the living flame 
Of freedom lights anew its fading ray, 
\nd glows in emulation of that day 
When on their foes they stamped the brand of shame. 



*2 Lessons in Poetry. 

Yes — at the thought of these bright trophies leaps 
The spirit in his bosom, and he turns 
His longing eye to where his parent sleeps, 
And high on rocks his country's beacon burns, 
And though the world be gayest, and sweet forms 
Of love and beauty call him, he would fly, 
And walk delighted in her mountain storms, 
And man his soul with valour at her cry, 
And in the fierc est shock of battle die. — Per civ ah 



PARENTAL COUNSEL: 

ADDRESSED TO A YOUTH ON HIS ENTRANCE INTO THE WORLJK 

As when a trav'ller on his way, attains 
An height which overlooks his neighb'ring plains., 
While the declining sun adorns the scene 
With golden rays, enhv'ning and serene, 
His soul revives as he pursues his way, 
In hope to reach his home by close of day; 
And there to his lov'd family impart 
The joys which cheer'd, and pains which press'd his heart. 
So I, long wand'ring in this vale of tears, 
Tho' oft assail'd by threat'ning foes and fears, 
With home in view, would thankfully survey 
The toils and comforts of life's chequer'd. way; 
And whilst with glowing gratitude I raise 
An Ebenezer to my Saviour's praise, 
Would point to erring inexperienc'd youth, 
The path which leads to happiness and truth. 

Attend, my T heron, to a parent's voice: 
'Tis thine to make his trembling heart rejoice; 
To soothe for him life's last afflictive stage, 
Or point with double force the pangs of age. 
With many an anxious fear he mark'd thy way, 
Through helpless infancy to youthful day, 
And now commits thee to his guardian care, 
Before whose presence we must soon appear. 



Lessons in Poetry. 5£ 

Yet ere thou enter on a world of pain, 
Where thoughtless mortals seek for bliss in vain; 
Which spreads its snares and with delusive joy, 
Like the soft Syren, smiles but to destroy. 
Ere yet we part, perhaps no more to meet 
Till we shall stand before the judgment seats 
Lend, I intreat thee, an attentive ear, 
To my last counsel, and my earnest pray'r. 

Soon as the morning light salutes thine eyes, 
To heav'n present thy grateful sacrifice; 
And through the Mediator's precious blood, 
Implore the grace and blessing of thy God. 
Thrice happy they who venture near his throne, 
And in the Surety claim him for their own; 
Their Father, Portion, Counsellor, and Friend, 
Whose mercy, like his nature, knows no end. 

Dear to thy soul be ev'ry sacred page, 
Youth's noblest monitor — the staff of age. 
Whate'er the scoffing infidel may say, 
"Retire and read thy bible to be gay." 
To guide our feet, its sacred precepts shine, 
To cheer our hearts, its promises divine, 
And heav'n's own signature attests each line. 

With holy rev'rence keep God's hallowed day, 
Nor in forbidden paths with sinners strays 
With willing feet to Zion's gates repair, 
Where kindred spirits join in praise and pray'r; 
And prove the Sabbath a delightful rest, 
Of all our days the brightest and the best; 
Wherein the saints, with ecstacy of heart, 
€an " sing together, though they dwell apart.*' 

To wisdom's voice a fixt attention give: 
" Forsake the foolish, and thy soul shall live." 

H 



I Lessons in Poetry, 

AlIurM by vanity's fantastic show, 

They grasp the shade, and let the substance go> 

How vain is all their restless search to find 

A good to satisfy th' immortal mind ! 

Man form'd for God at first, can know no rest. 

Till grace divine re-animate his breast. 

But, while the giddy herd, with careless feet, 
On pleasure's flow'ry plains destruction meet, 
Flee the enticing ruin, and attend 
The invitation of the sinner's friend: 
"Give me thine heart, my son," the Saviour cries. 
"And learn divine realities to prize: 
My ways are pleasantness, my paths are peace: 
The treasures I bestow can ne'er decrease, 
More choice than finest gold, or rubies bright, 
Than health more sweet, more cheering than the light 
My powerful arm shall all thy foes controul, 
And endless glory crown thy heav'n-born soul." 
Field then thine heart to him, nor longer rove 
From the blest centre of eternal love; 
Acknowledge him in all thy future ways, 
And be thy life devoted to his praise. 

Seek first the Saviour's grace if thou would'st know 

True peace with God, or happiness below; 

That grace enjoy 'd, thou wilt be truly blest, 

Howe'er by men despis'd, or sorrow prest; 

United to the Lord by faith divine, 

Pardon, and life, and righteousness are thine. 

Sav'd from the pow'r of sin's detested reign, 

Nor longer bound by Satan's cruel chain, 

Thy favour'd soul true liberty shall prove, 

And gladly urge its way to joys above. 

Thro' devious wastes, and dangers yet unknown, 

The gracious Comforter shall lead thee on, 

Till, the last conflict won, thy spirit rise 

To join the holy triumphs of the skies ! 



Lessons la Potty. 55 

There shall the shining hosts unite to sing 
The boundless grace of Christ, their God and King, 
And with increasing joy the theme prolong, 
While ceaseless hallelujah's swell the song! — Anonymous. 



A TRIBUTE OP FRIENDSHIP: 

Affectionately addressed to the Brethren who have willingly of- 
fered themselves to the work of the Lord, in the conversion of 
the Heathen. 

Whene'er from faithful friends we're called to part, 

And bid a long, perhaps a last adieu, 
Keen is the pang that rends th' afflicted heart, 

A pang like that which now we feel for you. 
Oft did our souls with mutual joy repair 

To mark the traces of Immanuel's feet; 
As on the balmy wings of faith and pray'r, 

We mounted upward to his mercy seat. 
We took sweet counsel, and, delighted, trod 

The sacred courts where Jesus meets his saints; 
Blest with the visits of our gracious God, 

Whose smile dispell'd our sorrows and complaints, 

Now, at his call, whose voice all must obey, 

Whose righteous counsels shall for ever stand; 
Led by the Lord, you tread the thorny way, 

And follow Abraham's friend at his command. 
Strong in his strength go forth, and nobly brave 

The rage and rigour of the restless main; 
Your Jesus lives — Omnipotent to save, 

And hush the tempest to a calm again. 
"Fear not," he saith, "your God is with you still, 

Nor shall ye sink beneath the briny flood; 
The winds and waves obey my sov'reign will, 

And all conspire to bless and do you good. 
Mountains and hills shall break before my voice, 

And living waters at my call shall come; 



56 Lessons in Poetry. 

The dreary wastes shall blossom and rejoice, 

And rival Lebanon and Sharon's bloom. 
Bending the suppliant tribes will hail the day, 

And gladly yield their willing hearts to me; 
Blest with my righteous sceptre's gentle sway, 

The long benighted Nations shall be free. 
Go— wave the peaceful olive o'er the land,* 

Invite the sons of misery to rest; 
And numerous converts conquer'd by my hand 

Shall come — imploring mercy— and be blest." 
The Lord, our Shepherd, ne'er forsakes his sheep, 

Alike in darkest as in brightest days; 
His friendly crook shall still their footsteps keep, 

And guide them in the paths of truth and grace. 
When called to tread the trackless desert o'er, 

With burning heat and parching thirst oppress'd. 
Their souls, defended by almighty pow'r, 

Shall find a safe retreat, a blissful rest. 
Beneath the shadow of that living rock, 

Which follow'd Israel's tribes their journey through; 
Whence cooling rivers flow'd to cheer his flock, 

Still shall they sing of mercies ever new. 
Should ye (for duty's path admits its tears, 

And tribulation is our lot below,) 
Feel your pained hearts assailed by rising fears,. 

Still to the sheltering breast of Jesus go. 
Think on the glorious cloud around the throne, 

Who went without the camp and bare the cross, 
To make the savor of the gospel known, 

Esteeming all beside but dung and dross. 
They got the victory through the Saviour's love! 

How bright their crowns! how pure their robes appear: 
Exalted to partake the joys above- 
Ceaseless they sing his worthy praises there. 

* To carry a green branch in the hand is a pacific signal, universally Un- 
derstood by all the South-sea islanders. 



Lessons in Poetry. 57 

Spirit of grace! thy servants' hearts inspire: 

Let each his Master's sacred presence prove; 
Baptised with holy unction and with fire, 

Bid them go forth, and loud proclaim his love. 
Armed in the glorious panoply of heaven, 

Dauntless from conqu'ring and to conquer go, 
And through the joyful sound of sins forgiven, 

May thousands at the Saviour's footstool bow! 
While in the narrow way they journey home, 

O! may a growing zeal possess each breast, 
Till the last welcome messenger shall come 

And call their souls " From blessing, to be blest." 



THE PRINCE OF PEACE. 

Enough of hostile arts, and war's alarms, 
Of garments roll'd in blood, and feats of arms, 
Soon may the brazen trumpet cease to sound, 
And the wide wasting scourge no more be found; 
A nobler theme my glowing bosom warms 
With brighter glories, and superior charms. 
Bless'd Comforter, who gave my soul to prove 
In early life the dawnings of thy love; 
Deign from the heights of glory to impart, 
A beam divine to animate my heart; 
To teach a worm Jehovah's name to sing, 
And celebrate the praises of my King. 

Eternal blessings crown thy sacred head, 
O Jesus ! first begotten of the dead. 
Prince of all earthly Kings, whose righteous sway, 
Thy creatures both in heaven and earth obey; 
Thou brightest blessing of the Father's love, 
Who bow'd the heav'ns, descending from above, 
And took man's nature, guilty man to raise 
From sin and death, to triumph through thy grace. 



58 Lessons in Poetry, 

Behold, my soul, with reverential awe, 
The Lord of glory subject to the Law; 
An oif'ring made upon the painful tree, 
Obedient to the death to ransom thee. 
O matchless love! the Just the unjust to save. 
Visits the dreary mansions of the grave, 
Rises, ascends, and reigns at God's right hand, 
With every throne and pow'r at his command. 

Hail glorious Conqu'ror! may thy peaceful reign, 
Widely extended, bless the earth again! 
Give from thy radiant throne the sov'reign word. 
And multitudes shall rise to preach their Lord. 
Pity the millions of thy creatures bound, 
In chains of awful darkness all around: 
And send thy light and truth with pow'r divine, 
'Till all the nations of the world are thine. 

See, Lord, thy servants touch'd with human wo, 
Assembled in thy hallow'd courts below,* 
And realizing mis'ry's groan, appear, 
To pour the fervent pray'r, the pitying tear; 
Look down from heav'n, with a propitious eye, 
"Take thy great power and bring thy kingdom nigh;' : 
Let vanquish'd sinners bow before thy throne, 
And ev'ry tribe confess thee Lord alone. 



«MY FATHER'S AT THE HELM!" 

An incident, spiritually improved. 

'Twas when the seas with horrid roar, 

A little bark assail'd, 
And pallid fear with awful pow'r, 

O'er each on board prevail'd. 

Referring to the public meetings of the Missionary Society. 



Lessons in Poetry. 59 

Save one, the captain's darling child, 

Who fearless view'd the storm, 
And playful, with composure smil'd, 

At danger's threat'ning form. 

ff Why sporting thus?" a seaman cry'd, 

" Whilst sorrows overwhelm $" 
u Why yield to grief?" the boy reply'd, 

" My Father's at the helm!" 

Poor doubting soul, from hence be taught, 

How groundless is thy fear$ 
Think on the wonders Christ hath wrought, 

And He is ever near. 

Safe in His hands whom seas obey, 

When swelling surges rise; 
He turns the darkest night to day, 

And brightens low'ring skies. 

Though thy corruptions rise abhorr'd, 

And outward foes increases 
Tis but for Him to speak the word, 

And all is hush'd to peace. 

Then upward look, howe'er distress'd, 

Jesus will guide thee home; 
To that eternal port of rest, 

Where storms shall never come. 



AN ADMONITION TO YOUTH. 

" Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth,"— Eccles. 
xii. 1. 

Allur'd by vanities of time, 

To run in folly's waysj 
Urg'd by gay youth in all its prime, 

Aud grasping future days. 



60 Lessons in Poetry. 

Attend the whisper of a friend, 

O lend a serious ear! 
Soon will the flattering vision end. 

Nor can the prospect cheer. 

Say, when thy feeble frame shall bow 

Beneath its heavy load, 
How wilt thou bear life's black review, 
Or stand before thy God? 

Wouldst thou unmingled pleasure prove, 

Or lasting joys embrace, 
Turn at the voice of heavenly love, 

And seek the Saviour's face. 

Life, and immortal comforts wait 
The soul that knows his word ; 

And they that enter wisdom's gate 
Find favour with the Lord. 

Riches and righeousness are theirs, 

For ever to enjoy; 
His name forbids their anxious cares, 

His praise is their employ. 

Not only in this world of wo 
Are these enjoyments given; 

For those who walk with Christ below, 
Shall reign with him. in heaven. 

The Lord of life thy soul invites, 
His gracious accents hear, 

So shall thou taste his pure delights. 
And triumph o'er thy fear. 



ON THE SENSITIVE PLANT. 

Degraded man would fain be wise, 
An,d boasts of wond'rous pow'rs; 



Lessons in Poetry. 6 1 

Vet must be taught to know his God, 
By lowly plants, and fiow'rs. 

" Shake off dull sloth," the Saviour said, 

u Arise and view with me, 
The lovely scene which nature spreads, 

Its op'ning beauties see. 

;i Stern winter's icy reign is past, 

The vines and fig-trees spring; 
And all the feather'd choirs unite, 
Their Maker's praise to sing. 

<; Behold, in spotless purity, 

The lilies as they grow; 
Not Solomon in all his state 

Could such a glory show." 

Urg'd by the call of Jesu's love, 

My willing feet obey'd, 
And midst the flow'ry tribes had long 

With pleasing wonder stray'd. 

At length a serious monitor, 

My musing mind address'd, 
And in a soft, but pow'rful voice, 

Instructive truth impress'd. 

A tender plant preserv'd with care 

Beneath a sunny shed, 
Receded from the touch I gave, 

And quickly bow'd its head.* 

In reason's ear it seem'd to say, 

" Mortal behold in me, 
An emblem of the Righteous Plant, 

Expos'd to death for thee. 

* See Rervy's Reflections on a Flower Garden. 
I 



Lessons in Poetry. 

"Humble and meek thy Master came, 

To suffer rude disdain; 
\nd though by thankless men revil'd, 

Resisted not again. 

•^ Thou too art plac'd where many a foe 

Thy fall would gladly see; 
With cautious care avoid their wiles, 

As I withdraw from thee. 

4< Deign to be taught, though blooming now, 
Soon wilt thou bow thine head; 

A chilling hand will touch thy frame, 
And lay thee with the dead." 

4t Thanks, gentle Moralist, I cried; 

Still to my thoughts be nigh; 
Each day the solemn truth repeat, 

Remember, thou must die." 

But souls by Jesus lov'd will live, 
When winds and storms will cease; 

Where no base hand, or cruel blast, 
"Will e'er assault their peace. 



FAITH'S EBENEZER. 

Fain would my soul adoring trace 

Thy mercies, my Lordl 
And speak the wonders of thy grace, 

The triumphs of thy word. 

With Israel's King my heart would cry, 

While I review thy ways, 
M Tell me, my Saviour, who am I 

That I should see thy face?" 

6 What is my house? or what my soul? 
That I should ever prove 



Lessons in Poetry . 83 

The power of thy divine controul, 
Or share thy precious love?" 

Form'd by thine hand, and form'd for thee, 

I would be ever thine; 
My Saviour make my spirit free; 

"With beams of mercy shine. 

O for a thousand tongues to teli 

The great Redeemer's grace; 
With transport on his name to dwell. 

And celebrate his praise! 

To show a guilty world around 

What charms in Jesus dwell; 
What wondTOus love in Him is found 

To ransom souls from Hell. 

To bid the feeble mind be strong, 

The trembling heart rejoice, 
The mourning soul prepare a song, 

And raise a thankful voice. 

How blest are those who know thy name. 

How sure is their reward! 
Thou art unchangeably the same, 

Their portion, guide and guard. 

To Thee my helpless soul would fly; 

On Thee for grace depend; 
In mercy all my needs supply, 

My author and my end ! 

Thou hast spoken of thy servant, Lord, 

For many years to come; 
And bid me trust thy faithful word, 

That thou wilt bring me home. 



{i4 Lessons in Poetry 

Give faith to venture on Thee, Lord, 
And strength to follow Thee; 

To me a single eye afford, 
That I thy face may see. 

So, when this toilsome life is o'er 
My soul shall mount above, 

And with thy ransonTd saints adore, 
Thy reigning grace and love. 



SENECA LAKE. 

On thy fair bosom, Silver Lake! 
The wild swan spreads his snowy sail, 
And round his breast the ripples break, 
As down he bears before the gale. 

On thy fair bosom, waveless stream, 
The dipping paddle echoes far, 
And flashes in the moonlight gleam, 
And bright reflects the Polar star. 

The waves along thy pebbly shore, 

As blows the north-wind* heave their foam. 

And curl around the dashing oar, 

As late the boatman hies him home. 

How sweet at set of sun to view 
Thy golden mirror spreading wide, 
And see the mist of mantling blue 
Float round the distant mountain's side. 

At midnight hour, as shines the moon, 
A sheet of silver spreads below, 
And swift she cuts at highest noon, 
Light clouds, like wreaths of purest snow. 



Lcsso7is in Poetry. 65 

On thy fair bosom, Silver Lake! 
O! I could ever sweep the oar, 
When early birds, at morning wake, 
And evening tells us toil is o'er. — Percivol. 



ALL IS DONE. 

Is therein the human mind 
Genial feelings more refin'd, 
Than when we see the setting sun. 
In truth can say, that all is done. 

All the duties of the day, 
All we had to do or say, 
Every favour we had won: 
Speak responsive — all is done. 

Not a marring fear to pain, 
No unask'd-for boon to gain ; 
Undertakings every one 
Now are finish'd — now are done. 

FREEDOM. 

Spirit of the great and good I 
Such as, in Athenae, stood, 
Stern in justice on the rock, 
Moveless as the people's shock, 
And when civil tempest rag'd, 
And intestine war was waged, 
With serene but awful sway, 
Rolled the maddening tide away: 
Such as met at Pylae's wall, 
E're that glorious freedom's fall — 
When the life of Greece was young, 
Like the sun from ocean sprung, 
And the warm and lifted soul 
Marching onward to its goal: 



66 Lessons in Poetry. 

Such as at those holy gates: 
Bulwark of the banded states, 
With the hireling Persian strove, 
In the high and ardent love, 
Souls that cannot stoop to shame 
Bear to freedom's sacred name: 
Such as with the Saxon flew. 
Ever to their country true. 
Healthful spirit! at this hour, 
Here are haunts where thou hast power. 
Haunts where thou shalt ever be, 
As thou ever hast been, free; 
"Where the stream of life is led 
Stainless in its virgin bed, 
And its magic fire is still 
Blazing on its holy hill.— PercivaL 

THE TASK. 

Now to my task— be firm, the work requires 

Cool reason, deep reflection— and the glow 

Of heart, that pours itself in useless flow, 

Must sleep, and fancy quench her beaming fires, 

And all my longings, hopes, and wild desires 

Must seek their slumberous pillow and be still: 

But energy must mantle o'er my will, 

And give the patient toil that never tires; 

For nature stands before me and invites 

My spirit to her sanctuary, and draws 

Aside her picture veil, from where she writes 

In living letters her eternal laws; 

And as I stand amid the countless wheels, 

That roll the car of being on its way, 

And deep serene my silent bosom feels, 

And seem a portion of the viewless ray, 

And o'er me flows the light of pure, unfading day.— lb. 



Lessons in Poetry. 67 



LIBERTY TO ATHENS. 

The flag of freedom floats once more 

Around the lofty Parthenon; 

It waves, as waved the palm of yore, 

In days departed long and gone; 

As bright a glory, from the skies, 

Pours down its light around those towers, 

And once again the Greeks arise, 

As in their country's noblest hours; 

Their swords are girt in virtue's cause, 

Minerva's sacred hill is free — 

0! may she keep her equal laws, 

While man shall live and time shall be. 

The pride of all her shrines went down; 

The Goth,* the Frank, the Turk, had reft 

The laurel from her civic crown, 

Her helm by many a sword was cleft; 

She lay among her ruins low — 

Where grew the palm, the cypress rose, 

And crushed and bruised by many a blow, 

She cowered beneath her savage foes; 

But now again she springs from earth, 

Her loud awakening trumpet speaks; 

She rises in a brighter birth, 

And sounds redemption to the Greeks .—Per rival. 



THE GREEK EMIGRANT. 

Now launch the boat upon the wave — 
The wind is blowing off the shore — 
I will not live, a cowering slave, 
In these polluted islands, more — 



* The Goths, united with the Vandals and Huns, and other barbarous na- 
tions, to subvert the Roman empire, when its unbridled dominion threatened 
to debase the character of a civilized people— See Chas. V, 3d rol. 



« Lessons in Poetry. 

Beyond the wild, dark heaving sea. 
There is a better home for me.* 
The wind is blowing off the shore, 
And out to sea the streamers fly — 
My music is the dashing roar 
My canopy the stainless sky — 
It bends above so fair a blue, 
That heaven seems opening on my view. 
I will not live a cowering slave 
Though all the charms of life may shine 
Around me, and the land, the wave, 
And sky be drawn in tints divine — 
Give lowering skies and rocks to me 
If there my spirit can be free. — PercivaL 

MERCY. 

Mercy! thou dearest attribute of heaven, 
The attractive charm, the smile of Deity, 
To whom the keys of Paradise are given — 
Thy glance is love, thy brow benignity, 
And, bending o'er the world with tender eye. 
Thy bright tears fall upon our hearts like dew; 
And melting at the call of clemency, 
We raise to God again our earth-fixed view, 
And in our bosom glows the living fire anew. 
The perfect sense of beauty— how the heart 
Even in this low estate with transport swells. 
When nature's charms at once upon us start — 
The ocean's roaring waste, where grandeur dwells. 
The cloud girt mountain, whose bald summit tells, 
Beneath a pure black sky the faintest star, 
The flowery maze of woods, and hills, and dells. 
The bubbling brook, the cascade sounding far, 
Rob'd in a mellow mist, as evening mounts her car, 

* This is descriptive of a Grecian emigrant who, disgusted with the cow- 
ardly spirit of some illiterate commander, forsakes his country in the hour of 
danger; this conduct can be justified but rarely indeed, never without the 
determination to redeem the sacrifice by an honourable devotion to her 
cause in a milder atmosphere and more liberal soil. — Ed, 



Lessons in Poetry. 69 

And with her glowing pencil paints the skies 

In hues, transparent, melting, deep and clear. 

The richest picture shown to mortal eyes, 

And lovelier when a dearer self is near, 

And we can whisper in her bending ear, 

"How fair are these, and yet how fairer thou;" 

And pleased the artless flattery to hear, 

Her full blue eyes in meek confusion bow— 

That hour, that look, that eye, are living to me now. 

But there the cloud of earth born passion gone, 

Taste, quick, correct, exalted, raised, refined, 

Rears o'er the subject intellect her throne, 

The pure Platonic* exstacy of mind; 

By universal harmony defined, 

It feels the fitness of each tint and hue, 

Of every tone that breathes along the wind, 

Of every motion, form, that charm the view, 

And lives upon the grand, the beautiful, and new. 

The feelings of the heart retain their sway, 

But are ennobled: — not the instinctive tie, 

The storge, that so often leads astray, 

And poisons all the springs of infancy, 

So that, thenceforth, to live is but to die, 

And linger with a venom at the heart, 

To feel the sinking of despondency, 

To writhe around the early planted dart, 

And burn and pant with thirst that never can depart. 

PercivaL 

ELOQUENCE. 

When wisdom crowned her head with stars, 
And smiled in Socrates, and glow'd in Plato, shone: 
Then eloquence was power— it was the burst 
Of feeling, clothed in words o'erwhelming poured 
From mind's long cherished treasury, and nursed 

• Platonic exstacy — this sentiment elevates the chaste mind to the free 
enjoyment of that pleasure the classic reader can realize.— Ed. 

K 



70 Lessons in Poetry, 

By virtue into majesty: it soared and thundered 
In Pericles;* and was richly stored 
With fire that flash'd, and kindled, in that soul, 
Who called, when Philip, with barbarian horde, 
Hung over Athens, and prepared to roll his deluge 
On her towers, and drown her freedom's whole. 
Then poetry was inspiration — loud, ^ 

And sweet, and rich; in speaking tones it rung, 
As if a choir of muses from a cloud, 
Just kindled on the bright horizon, hung; 
Their voices harmonized, their lyres full strung, 
Rolled a deep descant o'er a listening world. 
There was a force, a majesty, when sung 
The bard of Troy — his living thoughts were hurl'd, 
Like lightnings, when the folds of tempests are unfurled. 

Percival. 

LOVE OF STUDY, 

Axd wherefore does the student trim his lamp, 

And watch his lonely taper, when the stars 

Are holding their high festival in Heaven, 

And worshiping around the midnight throne? 

And wherefore does he spend so patiently, 

In deep and voiceless thought, the blooming hours 

Of youth and joyance, when the blood is warm, 

And the heart full of buoyancy and fire. 

The sun is on the waters, and the air 

Breathes with a stirring energy; the plants 

Expose their leaves, and swell their buds, and blow, 

Wooing the eye, and stealing on the soul 

With perfume and with beauty — Life awakes; 

Its wings are waving, and its fins at play 

Glancing from out the streamlets, and the voice 

Of love and joy is warbled in the grove; 

* Pericles, one of the greatest Athenian generals and orators of the age 
.) which h** lived. 



Lessons in Poetry. \ 

And children sport upon the springing turfs, 

With shouts of innocent glee, and youth is fired 

With a divine passion, and the eye 

Speaks deeper meaning, and the cheek is filled, 

At every tender motion of the heart, 

With purer flushings; for the boundless power 

That rules all living creatures, now has sway; 

In man refined to holiness, a flame, 

That purifies the heart it feeds upon: 

And yet the searching spirit will not blend, 

With this rejoicing, these attractive charms 

Of the glad season; but, at wisdom's shrine, 

Will draw pure draughts from her unfathomed well, 

And nurse the never dying lamp, that burns 

Brighter and brighter on as ages roll. 

He has his pleasures — he has his reward; 

For there is in the company of books 

The living souls of the departed sage, 

And bard, and hero; there is in the roll 

Of eloquence and history, which speak 

The deeds of early and of better days; 

In these, and in the visions that arise 

Sublime in midnight musings, and array 

Conceptions of the mighty and the good, 

There is an elevating influence, 

That snatches us awhile from earth, and lifts 

The spirit in its strong aspirings, where 

Superior beings fill the court of Heaven*— PercivaL 

MENTAL BEAUTY. 

Beauty has gone, but yet her mind is still 

As beautiful as ever; still the play of light 

Around her lips has every charm of childhood 

In its freshness: Love has there stamped his 

Rich, unfading impress, and the hues of fancy 

Shine around her, gay as the sun at setting 

Gilds some mouldering tower with its downy moss.— lb. 



72 Lessons in Poetry. 

CHILDHOOD. 

There is a middle space between the strong 

And vigorous intellect a Newton had, 

And the wild ravings of insanity; 

Where fancy sparkles with unwearied light, 

Where memory's scope is boundless, and the fire 

Of passion kindles to a wasting flame, 

But will is weak, and judgment void of power. 

Such was the place I held; the brighter part 

Shone out, and caught the wonder of the great 

In tender childhood, while the weaker half 

Had all the feebleness of infancy. 

A thousand wildering reveries led astray 

My better reason, and my unguarded soul 

Danced like a feather on the turbid sea 

Of its own wild and freakish phantasies.— < Percivat- 



POPULAR ELOQUENCE. 

Dr. Rush's* Eulogium upon Dr. Cullen, 
Delivered before the Medical College, 1790. 

Mr. President and Gentlemen, 

By your unanimous vote, to honour with an eulogium the 
character of the late Dr. William Cullen, professor of medi- 
cine in the University of Edinburgh, you have done equal 
homage to science and humanity. 

This illustrious Physician was the preceptor of many of 
us: — He was moreover a distinguished citizen of the republic 
of medicine, and a benefactor to mankind; and although like 
the sun, he shone in a distant hemisphere, yet many of the 
rays of his knowledge have fallen upon this quarter of the 
globe. I rise, therefore, to mingle your grateful praises of 
him, with the numerous offerings of public and private re- 
spect which have been paid to his memory in his native 
country. Happy will be the effects of such acts of distant 
sympathy, if they should serve to unite the influence of sci- 
ence with that of commerce, to lessen the prej udices of nations 
against each other, and thereby to prepare the way for the 
operation of that divine system of morals, whose prerogative 
alone it is, to teach mankind that they are brethren, and to 
make the name of a fellow-creature, in every region of the 
world, a signal for brotherly affection.f 

In executing the task you have imposed upon me, I shall 
confine myself to such parts of Dr. Cullen's character as came 
within the compass of my own knowledge, during two years 
residence in Edinburgh.:): To his fellow citizens in Great Bri- 
tain, who were more intimately acquainted with him, we must 
resign the history of his domestic character, as well as the 

* Dr. Rush was an eminent Physician of Philadelphia, who was born in 
Philadelphia, 24th December, 1745, died 19th April, 1813. 

Dr. Cullen's life and virtues are sufficiently portrayed in this eulogy, 
to iospire every noble minded youth to imitate bis illustrious example. 

i This sentiment is beautifully descriptive of the generous mind which 
knows no bounds for its benevolence, in nation, sect, or party. 

| Dr. Rush, as was usual before America was an independent nation, 
studied at Edinburgh.— E. 

L 



<*4 Popular Eloquence. 

detail of all those steps which, in early life, led him to his 
unparalleled height of usefulness and fame. 

Dr. Cullen possessed a great and original genius. By ge- 
nius,* in the present instance, I mean a power in the human 
mind of discovering the relation of distant truths, by the 
shortest train of intermediate propositions. This precious gift 
of Heaven, is composed of a vigorous imagination, quick 
sensibility, a talent for extensive and accurate observation, a 
faithful memory, and a sound judgment. These faculties 
were all united in an eminent degree in the mind of Dr. 
Cullen. His imagination surveyed all nature at a glance, and, 
like a camera obscura,f seemed to produce in his mind a pic- 
ture of the whole visible creation. His sensibility was so 
exquisite that the smallest portions of truth acted upon it. 

By means of his talent for observation, he collected know- 
ledge from every thing he heard, saw, or read, and from 
every person with whom he conversed. His memory was 
the faithful repository of all his ideas, and appeared to be 
alike accurate upon all subjects. Over each of these faculties 
of his mind a sound judgment presided, by means of which 
he discovered the relation of ideas to each other, and thereby 
produced those new combinations which constitute principles 
in science. 

This process of the mind has been called invention, and is 
totally different from a mere capacity of acquiring learriing, 
or collecting knowledge from the discoveries of others. It 
elevates man to a distant resemblance of his Maker; for the 
discovery of truth, is the perception of things as they appear 
to the Divine Mind. 

In contemplating the human faculties, thus exquisitely 
formed, and exactly balanced, we feel the same kind of plea- 
sure which arises from a view of a magnificent palace,:): or an 
extensive and variegated prospect; but with this difference, 
that the pleasure in the first instance, is as much superior to 
that which arises from contemplating the latter objects, as 
the mind of man is superior, in its importance, to the most 
finished productions of nature or of art. 

* The more usual acceptation of this term is a natural disposition, or a 
peculiar taste for any particular study, and always implies a devotion of 
feeling adapted to the subject proposed. — E. 

\ Camera obseura, an optical machine which represents objects inverted 
upon a larger scale than they really are. — E. 

t A palace is the residence or dwelling house of a king, it is costly and 
magnificent, its paiade and splendour can never be accommodated to the 
genius of a free people. — E 



Popular Eloquence, 7S 

Dr. Cullen possessed not only the genius that has been 
described, but an uncommon share of learning, reading, and 
knowledge. 

His learning was of a peculiar and useful kind — He ap- 
peared to have overstepped the slow and tedious forms of 
the schools, and, by the force of his understanding, to have 
seized upon the great ends of learning, without the assistance 
of many of those means which were contrived for the use of 
less active minds. He read the ancient Greek and Roman 
writers* only for the sake of the knowledge which they con- 
tained, without wasting any of the efforts of his genius in at- 
tempting to imitate their style. He was intimately acquainted 
with modern languages, and through their means, with the 
improvements of medicine in every country in Europe. Such 
was the facility with which he acquired a language, and so 
great was his enterprise in his researches in medicine, that I 
once heard him speak of learning the Arabicf for the sake of 
reading Avicenna in the original, as if it were a matter of a$ 
little difficulty to him, as it was to compose a lecture, or to 
visit a patient. Dr. Cullen's reading was extensive, but it 
was not confined wholly to medicine. 

He read books upon all subjects; and he had a peculiar art 
of extracting something from all of them which he made 
subservient to his profession. He was well acquainted with 
ancient and modern history, and delighted in the poets, among 
whom Shakspeare was his favourite. The history of our 
globe, as unfolded by books of geography and travels, was 
so familiar to him that strangers could not converse with 
him, without supposing that he had not only travelled, but 
that he had lived every where. His memory had no rubbish 
in it. Like a secretory organ, in the animal body, it rejected 
every thing in reading that could not be applied to some 
useful purpose. In this he has given the world a most valu- 
able lesson, for the difference between error and useless truth 
is very smallj and a man is no wiser for knowledge which he 
cannot apply, than he is rich from possessing wealth, which 
he cannot spend. 

Dr. Cullen's knowledge was minute in every branch of 

* Among the most distinguished of these, are Homer, Virgil, Livy, Thu- 
cydides, Quinctilian, Tacitus, Csesar, Cicero, all of which are works of 
interest to the faithful student, as they are of high value to the learned 
world. — E. 

| Arabic is the language spoken in Arabia, it is said our arithmetical 
figures are Arabic characters. — E. 



76 Popular Eloquence. 

medicine. He was an accurate anatomist,* and an ingenious 
physiologist. f He enlarged the boundaries, and established 
the utility of Chemistry,:): and thereby prepared the way for 
the discoveries and fame of his illustrious pupil Dr. Black. 
He stripped materia medica of most of the errors that had 
been accumulating in it for two thousand years, and reduced 
it to a simple and practical science. He was intimately ac- 
quainted with all the branches of natural history and philoso- 
phy. He had studied every ancient and modern system of 
physic. He found the system of Dr. Boerhaave universally 
adopted when he accepted a chair in the University of Edin- 
burgh. 

This system was founded chiefly on the supposed presence 
of certain acrid particles in the fluids, and in the departure 
of these, in point of consistency, from a natural state. Dr. 
Cullen's first object was to expose the errors of this patho- 
logy^ and to teach his pupils to seek for the causes of dis- 
eases in the solids. Nature is always coy. Ever since she 
was driven from the heart, || by the discovery of the circula- 
tion of the blood, she has concealed herself in the brain and 
nerves. Here she has been pursued by Dr. Cullen; and if he 
has not dragged her to public view, he has left us a clue 
which must in time conduct us to her last recess in the hu- 
man body. Many, however, of the operations of nature in 
the nervous system have been explained b\ him; and no can- 
did man will ever explain the whole of them, without acknow- 
ledging that the foundation of his successful inquiries were 
laid by the discoveries of Dr. Cullen. 

Dr. Cullen's publications were few in number compared 
with his discoveries. They consist of his Elements of Phy- 
siology, his Nosologia Mcthodica, his First Lines of the 
Practice of Physic, an Essay upOiS the cold produced by 
Evaporation, published in the second volume of the Physical 
and Literary Essays of Edinburgh, a Letter to Lord Cath- 
eart upon the method of recovering persons supposed to be 

* An anatomist is one who understands and practises the dissection of 
human bodies. 

■j- Physiologist is one who writes on natural philosophy. 

\ Chemistry is the interesting science of separating different substances 
in any one compound body. 

$ Pathology is that science in medicine, which gives a distinguishing 
character to each connecting part of a disease. 

|| Dr. William Harvey, who died 1657, was the justly distinguished dis. 
eoverer of the fact, that by the alternate throbbing of the heart, the cir- 
culation of the blood is continued. 



Popular Eloquence. 77 

dead from drowning, and a system of the Materia Medica. 
These are all the works which bear his name; but the fruit 
of his inquiries are to be foud in most of the medical publi- 
cations that have appeared in Great Britain within the last 
thirty years. Many of the Theses, published in Edinburgh 
during his life, were the vehicles of his opinions or practice 
in medicine: and few of them contained an important or use- 
ful discovery, which was not derived from hints thrown out 
in his lectures. 

As a teacher of medicine, Dr. Cullen possessed many pe- 
culiar talents. He mingled the most agreeable eloquence with 
the most profound disquisitions. He appeared to lighten up 
every subject upon which he spoke. His language was simple, 
and his arrangement methodical, by which means he was 
always intelligible. From the moment he ascended his chair, 
he commanded the most respectful attention from his pupils, 
insomuch that I never saw one of them discover a sign of 
impatience during the time of any of his lectures.* 

Venerable shade, adieu! What though thy American pu- 
pils were denied the melancholy pleasure of following thee 
from thy professor's chair to thy sick bed, with their effusions 
of gratitude and praise! What though we did not share in the 
grief of thy funeral obsequies, and though we shall never 
bedew with our tears the splendid monument which thy af- 
fectionate and grateful British pupils have decreed for thee 
in the metropolis of thy native country; yet the remembrance 
of thy talents and virtues, shall be preserved in each of our 
bosoms, and never shall we return in triumph from beholding 
the efficacy of medicine in curing a disease, without feeling 
our obligations for the instructions we have derived from 
thee! 

I repeat it again, Dr. Cullen is now no more — No more, 
I mean, a pillar and ornament of an ancient seat of science 
— no more, the delight and admiration of his pupils — no 
more the luminary of medicine to half the globe — no more 
the friend and benefactor of mankind. — 

But I would as soon believe that our solar system was cre- 
ated only to amuse and perish like a rocket, as believe that 
a mind endowed with such immense powers of action and 
contemplation had ceased to exist. Reason bids us hope that 

* Dr. Cullen lived and died in Europe, but his usefulness with his valu 
able works, extended its influence throughout all the regions of medical 
science. 



78 Popular Eloquence, 

he will yet live — And Revelation* enables us to say, with 
certainty and confidence, that he shall again live — Fain would 
I lift the curtain which separates eternity from time, and in- 
quire — But it is not for mortals to pry into the secrets of the 
invisible world. 

Such was the man whose memory we have endeavoured 
to celebrate. He lived for our benefit. It remains only that 
we improve the event of his death in such a manner, that he 
may die for our benefit likewise. 

For this purpose I shall finish our eulogium with the fol- 
lowing observations. 

I. Let us learn from the character of Dr. Cullen duly to 
estimate our profession. While astronomy claims a Newton,f 
and electricity a Franklin,:): medicine has been equally hon- 
oured by having employed the genius of a Cullen. Whenever 
therefore we feel ourselves disposed to relax in our studies, 
to use our profession for selfish purposes, or to neglect the 
poor, let us recollect how much we lessen the dignity which 
Dr. Cullen has conferred upon our profession. 

II. By the death of Dr. Cullen the republic of medicine 
has lost one of its most distinguished and useful members. 
It is incumbent upon us therefore to double our diligence in 
order to supply the loss of our indefatigable fellow -citizen. 
That physician has lived to little purpose who does not leave 
his profession in a more improved state than he found it.§ 
Let us remember that our obligations to add something to 
the capital of medical knowledge, are equally binding with 
our obligations to practise the virtues of our integrity and 
humanity in our intercourse with our patient. Let no useful 
fact therefore, hov/ever inconsiderable it may appear, be kept 
back from the public eye: for there are mites in science as 
well as in charity, and the remote consequences of both are 

* Revelation is that communication of divine truth which is recorded in 
that part of the Bible we call the New Testament, and which is established 
beyond contradiction to be divine. 

«' The most obvious and striking of these are which arise from the authen- 
ticity of the Neu> Testament. The character of Jesus Christ the Saviour of 
men, the prophecies of which he was the subject. His miracles, the sublime 
morality of hit precepts, the rapid and extensive propagation of his religion, 
under circumstances the most hostile to its advancement." 

f Sir Isaac Newton the learned philosopher, died March, 1726. 

I Benjamin Franklin, see an abstract of his life. 

§ The profession of medicine is one of the most dignified pursuits for the 
scholar and the gentleman; and the same remark most forcibly applies to 
all or either of the learned professions: these are elevations in society which 
none but industrious students are ever firmlv honoured with. 



Popular Eloquence. 79 

often alike important and beneficial. Facts are the morality 
of medicine. They are the same in all ages and in all coun- 
tries. They have preserved the works of the immortal Syd- 
enham* from being destroyed, by their mixture with his ab- 
surd theories, and under all the revolutions in systems that 
will probably take place hereafter; the facts which are con- 
tained in Dr- Cullen's works, will constitute the best security 
for their safe and grateful reception by future ages. 

III. Human nature is ever prone to extremes. While we 
celebrate the praises of Dr. Cullen, let us take care lest we 
check a spirit of free inquiry by too great a regard for his 
authority in medicine. I well remember an observation suited 
to our present purpose, which he delivered in his introduc- 
tion to a course of lectures on the Institutes of Medicine, in 
the year 1776. After speaking of the long continued and 
extensive empire of Galenf in the schools of physic, he said, 
" It is a great disadvantage to any science to have been im- 
proved by a great man. His authority imposes indolence, 
timidity, or idolatry upon all who come after him." — Let 
us avoid these evils in our veneration for Dr. Cullen. To 
believe in great men, is often as great an obstacle to the pro- 
gress of knowledge, as to believe in witches and conjurors. 
It is the image worship of science; for error is as much an 
attribute of man, as the desire of happiness; and I think I 
have observed, that the errors of great men partake of the 
dimensions of their minds, and are often of a greater magni- 
tude than the errors of men of inferior understanding. Dr. 
Brown has proved the imperfection of human genius, by 
extending some parts of Dr. Cullen's system of physic, and 
by correcting some of its defects. But he has left much to be 
done by his successors. He has even bequeathed to them the 
labour of removing the errors he has introduced into medi- 
cine by his neglect of an important principle in the animal 
economy, and by his ignorance of the histories and symptoms 
of diseases. Perhaps no system of medicine can be perfect, 
while there exists a single disease which we do not know, 
or cannot cure. 

If this be true, then a complete system of medicine cannot 
be formed, till America has furnished descriptions and cures 
of all her peculiar diseases. The United States have im- 
proved the science of civil government. The freedom of 

* Sydenham died 1689, aged 65. 

f Galen was born at Perg-amos, about 103, died A. D. 193. 



80 Popular Eloquence. 

our constitution, by imparting vigour and independence to 
the mind, is favourable to bold and original thinking upon all 
subjects. Let us avail ourselves therefore of this political 
aid to our researches, and endeavour to obtain histories and 
cures of all our diseases, that we may thereby contribute our 
part towards the formation of a complete system of medicine. 
As a religion of some kind is absolutely necessary to pro- 
mote morals,* so systems of medicine of some kind, are 
equally necessary to produce a regular mode of practice. 

They are not only necessary, but unavoidable in medicine; 
for no physician, nay more, no empiric, practises without them. 

The present is an age of great improvement. While the 
application of reason to the sciences of government and reli- 
gion, is daily meliorating the condition of mankind, it is 
agreeable to observe the influence of medicine in lessening 
human misery, by abating the mortality or violence of many 
diseases. The decrees of heaven appear to be fulfilling by 
natural means; and if no ancient prophecies had declared it, 
the late numerous discoveries in medicine would authorise us 
to say, that the time is approaching, when not only tyranny, 
discord and superstition shall cease from our world, but when 
diseases shall be unknown, or cease to be incurable; and when 
old age shall be the only outlet of human life: 

" Thus heaven-ward all things tend." 

In that glorious era, every discovery in medicine shall 
meet with its full reward; and the more abundant gratitude 
of posterity to the name of Dr. Cullen, shall then bury in 
oblivion the feeble attempt of this day, to comply with your 
vote to perpetuate his fame.f 

*"A religion of some kind" is too indefinite an expression for achris- 
tion community, whose moral existence is only nurtured and invigorated 
in the pure atmosphere of gospel light. We would not have the scholar be- 
lieve our author intended to convey any other idea, than that the christian 
religion is the basis of all good morals, and notwithstanding we may differ 
in sectarean principles, they must be the ground or our hope. — E. 

f The profession of medicine is universally esteemed, because of its 
intimate connexion with the health and prosperity of civilized society. 
The healing of maladies and the preservation of health, are the important 
object of the physician's study and care. And he is wanting in duty to him- 
self and to society, when he ceases to study the cause of disease and to 
apply faithfully the means svithin his power to remove it. 

In the absence of books, lectures, and assiduous observation, he is never 
possessed of that skill the principles of physic possess, and the dignity of 
his profession demands.— E. 



ABSTRACT FROM 

Dr, Rustis Eulogium of Rittenhouse, 17 th December, 1796.* 

Gfntlemen of the Philosophical Society: 

We are assembled this day upon a mournful occasion. 
Death has made an inroad upon our society. Our illustrious 
and beloved President, is no more. Rittenhouse, the ingeni- 
ous, the modest, and the wise — Rittenhouse, the friend of 

God and man, is now no more! For this, the temple of 

science is hung in mourning — for this our eyes now drop a 
tributary tear. Nor do we weep alone. — The United States 
of America sympathise in our grief, for his name gave a 
splendour to the American character, and the friends of hu- 
manity in distant parts of the world, unite with us in lament- 
ing our common loss, for he belonged to the whole human 
race. 

By your votef to perpetuate the memory of this great and 
good man, you have made a laudable attempt to rescue phi- 
losophers from their humble rank in the history of mankind. 
It is to them we owe our knowledge and possession of most 
of the necessaries and conveniences of life. 

To procure these blessings for us, " they trim their mid- 
night lamp, and hang over the sickly taper." For us, they 
traverse distant regions, expose themselves to the inclemen- 
cies of the weather, mingle with savages and beasts of prey, 
and in some instances, evince their love of science and hu- 
manity by the sacrifice of their lives. 

The amiable philosopher, whose talents and virtues are to 
be the subject of the following eulogium, is entitled to an 
uncommon portion of our gratitude and praise. 

He acquired his knowledge at the expense of uncommon 
exertions, he performed services of uncommon difficulty, and 
finally he impaired his health, and probably shortened his 

* Delivered in the First Presbyterian Church, Market street, Philadel- 
phia. This building- has been torn down and its congregation have built 
that magnificent edifice on Washington Square, where their pastor, Dr. 
Wilson, officiates to a large and respectable congregation. 

■f It was by a vole of the Society that Dr. Rush was respectfully request- 
ed to pay the just tribute to the character and worth of the late president, 

M 



82 Popular Eloquence, 

life, by the ardor of his studies and labours for the benefit ot 
mankind. 

In attempting to discharge the difficult and painful duty 
you have assigned to me, it will be necessary to give a short 
account of the life of Mr. Rittenhouse, inasmuch as several 
of the most interesting parts of his character are intimately 
connected with it. 

The village of Germantown^ in the neighbourhood of this 
city, had the honour of giving birth to this distinguished 
philosopher on the eighth day of April, in the year 1732. 
His ancestors migrated from Holland about the beginning of 
the present century. They were distinguished, together with 
his parents, for probity, industry, and simple manners. It is 
from sources thus pure and retired, that those talents and 
virtues have been chiefly derived, which have in all ages en- 
lightened the world. They prove by their humble origin, that 
the Supreme Being has not surrendered up the direction of 
human affairs to the advantages acquired by accident or vice, 
and they bear a constant and faithful testimony of his impar- 
tial goodness, by their necessary and regular influence in 
equalising the condition of mankind. This is the Divine 
order of things, and every attempt to invert it, is a weak and 
unavailing effort to wrest the government of the world from 
the hands of God. 

The early part of the life of Mr. Rittenhouse, was spent in 
agricultural employments under the eye of his father, in the 
county of Montgomery, twenty miles from Philadelphia, to 
which place he removed during the childhood of his son. It 
was at this place his peculiar genius first discovered itself. 
His plough, the fences, and even the stones of the field in 
which he worked, were frequently marked with figures which 
denoted a talent for mathematical studies. Upon finding that 
the native delicacy of his constitution unfitted him for the 
labours of husbandry, his parents consented to his learning 
the trade of a clock and mathematical instrument maker. In 
acquiring the knowledge of these useful arts, he was his own 
instructor. — They afforded him great delight inasmuch as 
they favoured his disposition to inquire into the principles of 
natural philosophy. — Constant employment of any kind, even 
in the practice of the mechanical arts, has been found in many 
instances, to administer vigour to human genius. Franklinf 

* Germantown a flourishing- manufacturing- settlement fire miles from 
Philadelphia, and more than five miles in length, population 4.500, 
+ See pa»e 87, for Franklin's life. 



Popular Eloquence, 83 

studied the laws of nature, while he handled his printing 
types. The father of Rousseau,* a jeweller at Geneva, became 
acquainted with the principles of national jurisprudence, by 
listening to his son while he read to him in his shop, the 
works of Grotius and Puffendorfjf and Herschel conceived 
the great idea of a new planet, while he exercised the humble 
office of a musician to a marching regiment. 

It was during the residence of our ingenious philosopher 
with his father in the country, that he made himself master 
of Sir Isaac Newton's:): Principia, which he read in the En- 
glish translation of Mr. Mott. It was here likewise he be- 
came acquainted with the science^ of fluxions, of which sub- 
lime invention he believed himself for a while to be the author, 
nor did he know for some years afterwards, that a contest had 
been carried on between Sir Isaac Newton and Leibnitz,|| for 
the honour of that great and useful discovery. What a mind 
was here! — Without literary friends or society, and with but 
two or three books, he became, before he had reached his four 
and twentieth year, the rival of the two greatest mathemati- 
cians in Europe! 

About the time he settled in Philadelphia, he became a 
member of our Society. His first communication to the so- 
ciety was a calculation of the transit of Venus as it was to 
happen on the third of June, 1769, in fortieth degree of north 
latitude, and five hours west longitude from Greenwich.^ He 
was one of a committee appointed by the society to observe, 
in the township of Norrington,** this rare occurrence in the 
revolution of that planet, and bore an active part in the pre- 
parations which were made for that purpose. Of this Dr. 
Smith, who was likewise of the committee, has left an honor- 
able record in the history of that event which is published in 
the first volume of the Transactions of our Society. 

* Rousseau, a French Poet, died July, 1778. 

f Grotius and Puffendorf, both distinguished writers on National Law. 
Grotius died, 1645, Puffendorf, 1694, in Holland. 

\ Sir Isaac Newton, a European philosopher, born 1642, died 1726^ be 
was a great philosopher. 

§ The science of fluxions is in arithmetic, the method of discovering by 
calculation a given proportion, which by an established rule causes the 
quantity of any immense vessel of liquid. 

H Leibnitz was cotemporary with Sir Isaac, and died 1716. 

IT Greenwich is in Fleet, five miles east from London, a place where 
observations were taken from, at that time. 

** Norrington is the same place which is now called Norrislown, Mont- 
gomery county. 



84 Popular Eloquence, 

" As Mr. Rittenhouse's dwelling (says the doctor) is about 
twenty miles northwest from Philadelphia, our other engage- 
ments did not permit Mr. Lukens or myself to pay much 
attention to the necessary preparations; but we knew that we 
had intrusted them to a gentleman on the spot (meaning Mr. 
Rittenhouse) who had, joined to a complete skill in mechanics, 
so extensive an astronomical and mathematical knowledge, 
that the use, management and even construction of the appa- 
ratus,* were perfectly familiar to him. 

" The laudable pains he had taken in these material articles 
will best appear from the work itself, which he hath com- 
mitted into my hands, with a modest introduction, giving me 
a liberty with them, which his own accuracy, taste and abili- 
ties leave no room to exercise." 

We are naturally led here to take a view of our philoso- 
pher with his associates in their preparations to observe a 
phaenomenonf which had never been seen but twice before 
by any inhabitant of our earth, which would never be seen 
again by any person then living, and on which depended very- 
important astronomical consequences. The night before the 
long expected day, was probably passed in a degree of soli- 
citude, which precluded sleep. How great must have been 
his joy when he beheld the morning sun, " and the whole 
horizon without a cloud ;" for such is the description of the 
day given by Mr. Rittenhouse in the report referred to by 
Dr. Smith. In pensive silence and trembling anxiety they 
waited for the predicted moment of observation: it came and 
brought with it all that had been wished for and expected by 
those who saw it. In our philosopher, it excited in the in- 
stant of one of the contacts of the planet of the sun, an emo- 
tion of delight so exquisite and powerful as to induce faint- 
ing.^: This will readily be believed by those who have known 
the extent of that pleasure which attends the discovery or first 
perception of truth. Soon after this event, we find him acting 
as one of a committee appointed to observe the transit of 
Mercury on the ninth of November, in the same year; this 
was likewise done at Norrington; an account of it was drawn 
up and published at the request of the committee by Dr. 

* Apparatus, this means a telescope, a large spy glass used by astrono- 
mers to observe the heavenly luminaries in their course. 

| Phenomenon, wonderful appearance in the works of nature. 

J Intense application of the mind to any intricate subject, will occasion a 
sudden swooning away in some nerrous constitutions, and it is more than 
probable this will account for the extraordinary incident here mention- 
ed— K. 



Popular Eloquence. 8S V 

Smith. A minute history of the whole of these events, was 
transmitted to, and received with great satisfaction, by the As- 
tronomers of Europe, and contributed much to raise the char- 
acter of our then infant country for astronomical knowledge. 
Attempts have been made, to depreciate this branch of natu- 
ral philosophy, by denying its utility and application to hu- 
man affairs. The opinion is an unjust one, and as it tends to 
convey a limited idea of the talents of Dr. Rittenhouse, I 
hope I shall be excused in saying a few words in favour of 
this science. 

It is to astronomy* we are indebted for our knowledge of 
navigation, by which means the different parts of our globe 
have been discovered, and afterwards cemented together by 
the mutual wants and obligations of commerce. It was astro- 
nomy that taught mankind the art of predicting and explaining 
eclipses] of sun and moon, and thereby delivered them from 
the superstition which in the early ages of the world was con- 
nected with those phenomena of nature. We are taught by 
astronomy to correct our ideas of the visible heavens, and 
thus by discovering the fallacy of the simple evidence of our 
senses, to call to their aid the use of our reason in deciding 
upon all material objects of human knowledge. 

Astronomy delivers the mind from a groveling attachment 
to the pursuits and pleasures of this world: " Take the misery 
says our philosopher, from the earth, if it be possible to disen- 
gage him — he whose nightly rest has been broken by the loss 
of a single foot of it, useless perhaps to him, and remove him 
to the planet Mars,§ one of the least distant from us— persuade 
the ambitious monarch to accompany him, who has sacrificed 
the lives of thousands of his subjects to an imaginary property 
in certain small portions of the earth, and point out this earth 
to him, with all its kingdoms and wealth, a glittering star, close 
by the moon, the latter scarce visible, and the former less 
bright than our evening star — He would turn away his dis- 
gusted sight from it, not thinking it worth the smallest atten- 
tion, and seek for consolation in the gloomy regions of Mars. 

* Astronomy is the science which teaches the knowledge of the celes- 
tial bodies, their magnitudes, motions, distances and periods, eclipses, con- 
junctions and oppositions of the planets in their course. 

t An eclipse occurs during the time the light of the sun or moon is 
obscured, by the interposition of some opaque body between it and the 
eye. 

\ A miser is one who is miserable in the possession of wealth, or even 
small treasure, because of his brooding fears that he will come to want. 

* Mars is one of the superior planets of the solar system. — E. 



36 Popular Eloquence. 

The study of astronomy has the most friendly influence 
upon morals and religion. The direct tendency of this science 
is to dilate the heart* with universal benevolence, and to en- 
large its view. It flatters no princely vice nor national de- 
pravity. It encourages not the libertine by relaxing any of 
the precepts of morality, nor does it attempt 10 undermine 
the foundations of religion. It denies none of those attributes, 
which the wisest, and best of mankind, have in all ages ascrib- 

* In fair weather tvhen my heart is cheered and I feel that elation of 
spirits which results from light and warmth, joined by a beautiful prospect 
of nature, I regard myself as one placed by the haod of God in the midst 
of an ample theatre, in which the sun, moon, and stars, the fruits also and 
vegetables of the earth, perpetually changing their positions or their as- 
pects, exhibit an elegant entertainment to the understanding as well as to 
the eye. 

Thunder and lightning, rain and hail, the painted bow and the glaring 
comet, are decorations of this mighty theatre; and the sable hemisphere 
studded with spangles, the blue vault at noon, the glorious gildings and 
the rich colours in the horizoD, look on as so many successive scenes. 

When I consider things in this light, methinks it is a sort of impiety to 
have no attention to the course of nature, and the revolutions of the heav- 
enly bodies. To be regardless of those phenomena that are placed within 
our view, on purpose to entertain our faculties, and display the wisdom 
and power of our Creator, is an affront to Providence, of the same kind, 
(I hope it is not impious to make such a similie) as it would be to a good 
poet to set out his play without minding the plot or beauties of it. And 
yet how few are there who attend to the drama of nature, its artificial 
structure, and those admirable scenes whereby the passions of a philoso- 
pher are gratefully agitated, and his soul affected with the sweet emotions 
of joy and surprise. 

How many fox-hunters and rural squires are to be found all over Great 
Britain, who are ignorant that they have lived all this time in a planet; 
that tke sun is several thousand times bigger than the earth; and that there 
are several other worlds within our view, greater and more glorious than 
our own! ' Ay, but,' says some illiterate fellow, ' I enjoy the world, and 
leave it to others to contemplate it." Yes, you eat, and drink, and run 
about upon it; that is, you enjoy as a brute; but to enjoy as a rational be- 
ing is to know it, to be sensible of its greatness and beauty, to be delight- 
ed with its harmonj', and, by these reflections, to obtain just sentiments 
of the Almighty mind that framed it. 

The man who, unembarrassed with vulgar cares, leisurely attends to 
the flux of things in heaven and things on earth, and observes the laws by 
which they are governed, hath secured to himself an easy and convenient 
seat, where he beholds with pleasure all that passes on the stage of nature, 
while those about him are, some fast asleep, and others struggling for the 
highest places, or turning their eyes from the entertainment prepared by 
Providence, to play at push pin with one aoother. 

Within this ample circumference of the world, the glorious lights that 
are hung on high, the meteors in the middle region, the various livery of 
the earth, and the profusion of good things that distinguish the seasons, 
yield a prospect which annihilates all human grandeur. — Toiler, 



Popular Eloquence. 87 

ed to the Deity. Nor does it degrade the human mind from 
that dignity which is ever necessary to make it contemplate 
itself with complacency. None of these things does astronomy 
pretend to, and if these things merit the name of philosophy, 
and the encouragement of a people, then let scepticism flour- 
ish and astronomy be negleted — Let the names of Barkley* 
and Humef become immortal, and that of Newton be lost in 
oblivion. 

Mr. Rittenhouse was chosen successor to Dr. Franklin:}: 
in the chair of the American Philosophical society in the year 
1791. In this elevated station, the highest that philosophy 
can confer in our country, his conduct was marked by its 
usual line of propriety and dignity. Never did the artificial 
pomp of station command half the respect which followed his 
unassuming manners in the discharge of the public duties of 

* Robert Barclay, an eminent Quaker, born 1648, died 1690. 

•j- David Hume, a distinguished writer of the History of England, died 
1776, aged 65. 

| Benjamin Franklin the American philosopher and statesman, was born 
in Boston, state of Massachusetts, seventeenth of January, 1706. His father 
was a native of England, who then carried on the trade of a soap boiler 
and tallow chandler in Boston; at ten years of age he was bound an ap- 
prentice to his brother to learn the art and mystery of a priuter; in this 
business Benjamin made great proficiency in a very short time: his taste 
for reading and study was so remarkable that it is said ail his leisure time 
was devoted to reading; and frequently he spent the greater part of the 
night in his studies; for his age he was a good reasoner, and would often 
confound his seniors in fair debate] his brother printed a newspaper, for 
which Benjamin used often to write; he wrote both prose and poetry in a 
style that was interesting to the public and profitable to bis brother. 

At the age of seventeen he left his brother's service in displeasure, after 
receiving his indenture from him, and came to Philadelphia, where his 
good conduct and superior workmanship procured him steady employ in his 
profession: in 1736 he was appointed clerk of the general assembly of 
Pennsylvania, and in 1737 postmaster of Philadelphia — he, by repeated 
experiments, discovered the power and use of the electric fluid, and the 
means of preventing its injurious effects, by the erection of iron conduc- 
tors; he was one of the commissioners who signed the provisional articles 
of peace, and was very useful to his country as an agent to the court of 
France during the revolutionary war, he was a friend to the arts and sci- 
ences, and his name is worthily enrolled with the benefactors of mankind. 
He died in Philadelphia seventeenth of April, 1790, and has left the sum of 
four thousand dollars to the annual use of young married mechanics of 
Philadelphia, which is in constant use through the especial agency of the 
mayor of the city, as an incentive to industry, and as a lasting credit to the 
benevolent devisor; a great many wealthy mechanics are now in prosper- 
ous business, who, it is said, owe their first good fortune to the temporary 
loans derived from this fund, and hundreds of others may partake of its 
benefits, if they are saving and industrious, — E. 



88 Popular Eloquence. 

his office.* They were uniformly characterised by ardour in 
the pursuits of science, urbanity and brotherly kindness. His 
attachment to the interests of the society was evinced soon af- 
ter he accepted of the president's chair, by a donation of three 
hundred pounds. But his talents were not limited to mathe- 
matical or material subjects; his mind was a repository of the 
knowledge of all ages and countries. He had early and deeply 
studied most of the different systems of theology. He was 
well acquainted with practical metaphysics. In reading travels 
he took great delight. From them he drew a large fund of 
his knowledge of the natural history of our globe. He pos- 
sessed talents for music and poetry, but the more serious and 
necessary pursuits of his life prevented his devoting much 
time to the cultivation of them. He read the English poetsf 
with great pleasure. The muse of Thomson charmed him 
most. He admired his elegant combination of philosophy, 
and poetry. However opposed, these studies may appear, 
they alike derive their perfections from extensive and accu- 
rate observations of the works of nature. He was intimately 
acquainted with the French, German, and Dutch languages; 
the two former of which he acquired without the assistance 
of a master. They served the valuable purpose of conveying 
to him the discoveries of foreign nations, and thereby enabled 
him to prosecute his studies with more advantage in his na- 
tive language. In speaking of Mr. Rittenhouse it has been 
common to lament his want of what is called a liberal educa- 
tion. Were education what it should be in our public semina- 
ries this would have been a misfortune, but conducted as it 
is at present, agreeably to the systems adopted in Europe in 
the sixteenth century ,\ I am disposed to believe that his ex- 
tensive knowledge and splendid character, are to be ascribed 
chiefly to his having escaped the pernicious influence of 
monkish learning upon his mind in early life. Had the usual 
forms of a public education in the United States been im- 
posed upon him, instead of revolving through life in a plan- 

* He was author of upwards of twenty different publications, chiefly phi- 
losophical, which gained him much credit as an author, and much respect 
as a benefactor of mankind. 

f The British poets who are the most deservedly admired, are Watts, 
Milton, Harvey, Young-, Butler, Pope, Burns, Thomson, Shakspeare, 
Gray, Blair, Akenside, Dodridge, Byron, Cumberland, Goldsmith, Smol- 
lett, Dodd, Cowper, Johnson, Otway, Knight, Scott, Dryden, Shenstone, 
Pierce. 

\ " The business of education has acquired ar new complexion by the 
Independence of the United States. The form of government imposes a 
new class of duties to everv American." Dr. Rush. — E. 



Popular Eloquence, 89 

ctary orbit, he would probably have consumed the force of 
his genius, by fluttering around the blaze of an evening ta- 
per. Rittenhouse, the philosopher, and one of the luminaries 
of the eighteenth century, might have spent his hours of 
study in composing syllogism, or in measuring the feet of 
Greek and Latin poetry. 

It is honourable to the citizens of the United States to add, 
that they were not insensible to the merit of Rittenhouse' s 
Inventions and improvements, in every art and science, were 
frequently submitted to his examination, and were afterwards, 
patronised by the public, according as they were approved 
by him. Wherever he went he met with public respect and 
private attention. But his reputation was not confined to his 
native country. His name was known and admired in every 
region of the earth where science and genius are cultivated 
and respected.* Such were the talents and knowledge, and 
such the fame of our departed president. His virtues now 
demand our tribute of praise. And here I am less at a loss 
to know what to say than what to leave unsaid. We have 
hitherto beheld him as a philosopher, soaring like the eagle, 
until our eyes have been dazzled by his near approach to the 
sun. We shall now contemplate him at a less distance and 
behold him in the familiar character of a man, fulfilling his 
various duties in their utmost extent. If any thing has been 
said of his talents and knowledge that has excited attention, 
or kindled desires in the younger members of our society to 
pursue him in his path of honor, let me request them not to 
forsake me here. Come and learn by his example to be good 
as well as great — His virtues furnish the most shining mo- 
dels for your imitation, for they were never obscured in any 
situation or stage of his life, by a single cloud oi weakness or 
vice. As the source of these virtues, whether of a public or a 
private nature, I shall first mention his exalted sense of moral 
obligation founded upon the revelation of the perfections of 
the Supreme being-, this appears from many passages in his 
orations, and from his private letters to his friends. In his 
oration we find the following pious sentiment.f " Should it 

* In 1763, the degree of Master of Arts was conferred upon him by the 
College of Philadelphia. The same degree by William and Mary College 
of Virginia, 1704; 1789, the degree of Doctor of Laws by the College of 
New Jersey, and the same by the College at Boston; and in 1795, be was 
elected a member of the Royal Society in London. 

f The widow of Dr. Rittenhouse has recorded her approving testimony 
that the departing scene of her affectionate husband, was that of a sincere 
believer in the *' great truths of revealed religion.'-— E, 

N 



90 Popular Eloquence. 

please that Almighty power who hath placed us in a world in 
which we are only permitted to look about us and to die., to 
indulge us with existence throughout that half of eternity 
which still remains unspent, and to conduct us through the 
several stages of his works, ample provision is made for em~ 
ploying every faculty of the mind, even allowing its powers 
to be enlarged through an endless repetition of ages. Let us 
not complain of the vanity of this world, and that there is 
nothing in it capable of satisfying us." 

In the more limited circles of private life, Mr. Rittenhouse 
commanded esteem and affection. As a neighbour he was 
kind and charitable. His sympathy extended in a certain 
degree to distress of every kind, but it was excited with the 
most force and the kindest effects to the weakness, pain and 
poverty of old age. As a friend he was sincere, ardent and 
disinterested. As a companion he instructed upon all sub- 
jects. To his happy communicative disposition, I beg leave 
to express my obligations in this public manner. I can truly 
say, after an acquaintance with him for six and twenty years, 
that I never went into his company without learning some- 
thing. With pleasure have I looked beyond my present la- 
bour, to a time when his society should constitute one of the 
principal enjoyments of the evening of my life — but alas! that 
time so often anticipated and so delightful in prospect will 
never come. 

I hope it will not be thought, that I tread too closely upon 
his footsteps, when I presume to lift the latch of his door and 
to exhibit him in the domestic relations of husband and father. 
It was the practice of the philosophers of former ages to pass 
their lives in their closets and to maintain a formal and distant 
intercourse with their families; but our philosopher was a 
stranger to pride and imposture in every thing. His family 
constituted his chief society and the most intimate circle of 
his friends. When the declining state of his health rendered 
the solitude of his study less agreeable than in former years, 
he passed whole evenings in reading or conversing with his 
wife and daughter. Happy family! so much and so long 
blessed with such a head! and happier still to have possessed 
dispositions and knowledge to discern and love his exalted 
character and to enjoy his instructing conversation: — Thus 
Sir Thomas Moore lived with his accomplished wife and 
daughter: — Thus Cicero educated his beloved Tullia: and in 
this way only can the female sex be elevated to that dignity 
and usefulness in society, for which they were formed, and 



Popular Eloquence. 91 

by which from their influence upon manners a new sera would 
be created in the history of mankind. The house, and man- 
ner of living of our president, exhibited the taste of a philoso- 
pher, the simplicity of a Republican, and the temper of a 
Christian.* 

He was independent and contented with an estate small in 
the estimation of ambition and avarice, but amply suited to 
all his wants and desires. He held the office of Treasurer of 
Pennsylvania, by an annual and unanimous vote of the legis- 
lature between the years 1777 and 1789. During this period 
he declined purchasing the smallest portion of the public 
debt of the state, thereby manifesting a delicacy of integrity 
which is known and felt only by pure and elevated minds. 

In the year 1792, he was persuaded to accept of the office 
of director of the mintf of the United States. His want of 
health obliged him to resign it in 1795. Here his conduct 
was likewise above suspicion, for I have been informed by 
his colleague in office, that in several instances he paid for 
work done at the mint out of his own salary, when he thought 
the charges for it would be deemed extravagant by the United 
States. His economy extended to a wise and profitable use 
of his time. No man ever found him unemployed. As an 
apology for detaining a friend a few minutes, while he ar- 
ranged some papers he had been examining, he said that he 
had once thought health the greatest blessing in the world, 
but that he now thought there was one thing of much greater 
value and that was time.\ The propriety of this remark will 
appear when we consider that Providence so liberal in other 
gifts bestows this in a sparing manner. He never gives a se- 
cond moment until he has withdrawn the first, and still re- 
serves the third in his own hand. 

The countenance of Mr. Rittenhouse was too remarkable 
to be unnoticed upon this occasion. It displayed such a mix- 
ture of contemplation, benignity and innocence, that it was 

* This is another striking evidence of the nature and tendency of the 
christian religion, nothing is so happily adapted to the wants, and nothing 
contributes more to enlarge the enjoyments of domestic life. Every virtu- 
ous man i9 free to admit that all his social happiness springs from that 
christian temper, which is here alluded to. 

f The mint of the United States is located in North Seventh street, 
Philadelphia; here all the gold, silver and copper money of the union is 
coined. 

\ Time saved is time gained, and time improved is wealth; the spring 
season is the time the husbandman sows his seed, youth is the season which 
every prudent man was careful to improve, and every youth wh.o improves 
that season is wise in matured age. — E. 



92 Popular Eloquence. 

easy to distinguish his person in the largest company, by a 
previous knowledge of his character. 

His manners were civil and engaging, to such a degree, 
that he seldom passed an hour even in a public house, in 
travelling through our country, without being followed by tne 
good wishes of all who attended upon him. There was no 
affectation of singularity in any thing he said or did: even his 
hand writing, in which this weakness so frequently discovers 
itself, was simple and intelligible at first sight, to all who 
saw it. 

In reviewing the intellectual endowments and moral exel- 
lency of Mr. Rittenhouse, and our late intimate connexion 
with him we are led to rejoice in being men, 

We proceed now to the closing scenes of his life. His con- 
stitution was naturally feeble, but it was rendered still more 
so by sedentary labour and midnight studies. He was afflicted 
for many years with a weak breast, which, upon unusual ex- 
ertions of body or mind, or sudden changes in the weather, 
became the seat of a painful and harrassing disorder. This 
constitutional infirmity was not without its uses. It contri- 
buted much to the perfection of his virtue, by producing 
habitual patience and resignation to the will of heaven: and 
a constant eye to the hour of his dissolution. It was a window 
through which he often looked with pleasure towards a place of 
existence, where from the increase and perfection of his intui- 
tive faculties, he would probably acquire more knowledge 
in an hour than he had acquired in his whole life, by the slow 
operations of reason; and where from the greater magnitude 
and extent of the objects of his contemplation, his native 
globe would appear like his cradle, and all the events of time, 
like the amusements of his infant years. On the twenty-sixth 
of June of the present year the long expected messenger of 
death disclosed his commission.* In his last illness which was 
acute and short, he retained the usual patience and benevolence 
of his temper. Upon being told that some of his friends had 
called at his door to inquire how he was, he asked why they 
were not invited into his chamber to see him. Because ("said 
his wife) you are too weak to speak to them. " Yes, (said he) 
that is true, but I could still have squeezed their hands." Thus 
with a heart overflowing with love to his family, friends, 
country, and to the whole world, he peacefully resigned his 
spirit into the hands of his God. Let the day of his death 

♦His remains lie entombed under a white marble slab in Pine street 
fcurial ground near fourth street. Philadelphia. — E. 



Popular Eloquence. 93 

be recorded in the annals of our society; and let its annual 
return be marked by some public act, which shall character- 
ise his services and our grief, and thereby animate us and 
our successors to imitate his illustrious example.* 

Agreeable to his request his body was interred in his ob- 
servatory] near his dwelling house, in the presence of a nu- 
merous concourse of his fellow citizens. It was natural for 
him in the near prospect of appearing in the presence of his 
Maker, to feel an attachment to that spot, in which he had 
cultivated a knowledge of his perfections, and held communion 
with him, through the medium of his works. Hereafter it 
shall become one of the objects of curiosity in our city. 
Thither shall the philosopher of future ages resort to do 
homage to his tomb which covers it, and exultingly say, there 
ties our Rittenhouse.— Alas! — too, — too soon, has our beloved 
President been torn from the chair of our society! — Too soon 
has he laid aside his robes of office, and ceased to minister 
for us day and night at the altar of science. Ah! who now 
will elevate his telescope and again direct it towards yonder 
heavens? Who now will observe the transit of the planets? 
"Who now will awaken our nation to view the trackless and 
stupendous comet? Who now will measure the courses of our 
rivers, in order to convey their streams into our city for the 
purposes of health and commerce? Nature is dumb, for the 
voice of her chief interpreter is hushed in death. — In this hour 
of our bereavement to whom shall we look? — but to thee, 
Father of life and light — thou Author of great and good gifts 
to man. O let not thy sun, thy moon, and thy stars, now shine 
unobserved among us! May the genius of our departed Pre- 
sident, like the mantle:): of thy prophet of old, descend upon 
some member of our society who shall, as he did, explain to 
us the mysteries of thy works, and lead us, step by step, to 
thyself, the great overflowing fountain of wisdom, goodness 
and mercy to the children of men. 

* This is a noble sentiment, and worthy of its author; every republican 
youth should cherish it id his memory. To merit such an eulogium at the 
leaving this life is as desirable, as an ambition to merit it through life is 
commendable: it was the studious habits of Rittenhouse which enlarged 
his usefulness. 

•| So transitory are all the possessions of this life, that even this dyiog 
request of this benefactor of man was hardly granted, before a change of 
estate obliged the removal of his remains from Arch street near seventh, 
the site of the observatory, to their present resting place. 

\ Elijah, one of the ancient prophets, on a certain occasion threw his 
mantle on Elisha while he was ploughing, after which Elisha prophesied 
See nineteenth chapter of Kings, nineteenth verse.-— E. 



ABSTRACT OF AN ORATION 

On the Sublime Virtues of General George Washington. 
Delivered by Fisher Ames, 8th Feb. 1800. 

It is natural that the gratitude of mankind should be drawn 
to their benefactors. A number of these have successively 
arisen, who were no less distinguished for the elevation of 
their virtues, than the lustre of their talents. Of those how- 
ever who were born, and who acted through life, as if they 
were born, not for themselves, but for their country and the 
whole human race, how few, alas! are recorded in the long 
annals of ages, and how wide the intervals of time and space 
that divide them. In all this dreary length of way, they ap- 
pear like five or six light houses on as many thousand miles 
of coast: they gleam upon the surrounding darkness, with an 
inextinguishable splendor, like stars seen through a mist; but 
they are seen like stars, to cheer, to guide, and to save. 
Washington is now added to that small number. Already 
he attracts curiosity, like a newly discovered star, whose 
benignant light will travel on to the world's and time's 
farthest bounds. Already his name is hung up by history 
as conspicuously, as if it sparkled in one of the constellations 
of the sky. 

By commemorating his death, we are called this day to 
yield the homage that is due to virtue; to confess the common 
debt of mankind as well as our own; and to pronounce for 
posterity, now dumb, that eulogium, which they will delight 
to echo ten ages hence, when we are dumb. 

I consider myself not merely in the midst of the citizens 
of this town, or even of the state. In idea, I gather round 
me the nation. In the vast and venerable congregation of 
the patriots of all countries and of all enlightened men, I 
would, if I could, raise my voice, and speak to mankind in a 
strain worthy of mv audience, and as elevated as my subject. 
But how shall I express emotions, that are condemned to be 
mute, because they are unutterable? I felt, and I was wit- 
ness, on the day when the news of his death reached us, to 
the throes of that grief, that saddened every countenance, and 
wrung drops of agony from the heart. Sorrow laboured for 
utterance, but found none. Everv man looked round for the 



Popular Eloquence. 95 

consolation of other men's tears. Gracious Heaven! what 
consolation! each face was convulsed with sorrow for the 
past; every heart shivered with despair for the future. The 
man, who and who alone, united all hearts, was dead; dead, 
at the moment when his power to do good was the greatest, 
and when the aspect of the imminent public dangers seemed 
more than ever to render his aid indispensable, and his loss 
irreparable: irreparable; for two Washingtons come not in 
one age. 

A grief so thoughtful, so profound, so mingled with ten- 
derness and admiration, so interwoven with our national self- 
love, so often revived by being diffused, is not to be expressed. 
You have assigned me a task that is impossible. 

O if I could perform it, if I could illustrate his principles 
in my discourse, as he displayed them in his life, if I could 
paint his virtues as he practised them, if I could convert the 
fervid enthusiasm of my heart into the talent to transmit his 
fame, as it ought to pass to posterity: I should be the suc- 
cessful organ of your will, the minister of his virtues, and 
may I dare to say, the humble partaker of his immortal glory. 
These are ambitious, deceiving hopes, and I reject them. 
For it is perhaps almost as difficult, at once with judgment 
and feeling, to praise great actions, as to perform them. A 
lavish and undistinguishing elogium is not praise; and to dis- 
criminate such excellent qualities as were characteristic and 
peculiar to him, would be to raise a name, as he raised it, 
above envy, above parallel, perhaps, for that very reason, 
above emulation. 

Such a portraying of character however, must be address- 
ed to the understanding, and therefore, even if it were well 
executed, would seem to be rather an analysis of moral prin- 
ciples, than the recital of a hero's exploits. It would rather 
conciliate confidence and esteem, than kindle enthusiasm and 
admiration. It would be a picture of Washington, and, like 
a picture, flat as the canvas; like a statue, cold as the marble 
on which he is represented; cold, alas, as his corpse in the 
ground. Ah, how unlike the man late warm with living vir- 
tues, animated by the soul once glowing with patriotic fires! 
He is gone! the tomb hides all, that the world could scarce 
contain, and that once was Washington, except his glory; 
that is the rich inheritance of his country; and his example; 
that let us endeavour by delineating to impart to mankind. 
Virtue will place it in her temple, Wisdom in her treasury. 

Peace then to your sorrows. I have done with them. 
Deep as your grief is, I aim not to be pathetic. I desire less 



96 Popular Eloquence. 

to give utterance to the feelings of this age, than to the judg- 
ment of the next. Let us faithfully represent the illustrious 
dead, as history will paint, as posterity will behold him. 

With whatever fidelity I might execute this task, I know 
that some would prefer a picture drawn to the imagination. 
They would have our Washington represented of a giant's 
size, and in the character of a hero of romance. They who 
love to wonder better than to reason, would not be satisfied 
with the contemplation of a great example, unless, in the ex- 
hibition, it should be so distorted into prodigy, as to be both 
incredible and useless. Others, I hope but few, who think 
meanly of human nature, will deem it incredible, that even 
Washington should think with as much dignity and eleva- 
tion, as he acted j and they will grovel in vain in the search 
for mean and selfish motives, that could incite and sustain 
him to devote his life to his country. 

Do not these suggestions sound in your ears like a profa- 
nation of virtue? and, while I pronounce them, do you not 
feel a thrill of indignation at your hearts? Forbear. Time 
never fails to bring every exalted reputation to a strict scru- 
tiny: the world, in passing the judgment that is never to be 
reversed, will deny all partiality, even to the name of Wash- 
ington. Let it be denied: for its justice will confer glory. 

Such a life as Washington's cannot derive honor from the 
circumstances of birth and education, though it throws back 
a lustre upon both. With an inquisitive mind, that always 
profited by the lights of others, and was unclouded by pas- 
sions of its own, he acquired a maturity of judgment, rare in 
age, unparalleled in youth. Perhaps no young man had so 
early laid up a life's stock of materials for solid reflection, or 
settled so soon the principles and habits of his conduct. Gray 
experience listened to his counsels with respect, and at a time 
when youth is almost privileged to be rash, Virginia com- 
mitted the safety of her frontier, and ultimately the safety of 
America, not merely to his valor, for that would be scarcely 
praise, but to his prudence. 

It is not in Indian wars that heroes are celebrated: but it 
is there they are formed. No enemy can be more formidable, 
by the craft of his ambushes, the suddenness of his onset, or 
the ferocity of his vengeance. The soul of Washington was 
thus exercised to danger; and on the first trial, as on every 
other, it appeared firm in adversity, cool in action, undaunted, 
self-possessed. His spirit, and still more his prudence, on 
the occasion of Braddock's defeat, diffused his name through- 



Popular Eloquence. 97 

out America, and across the Atlantic. Even then his country 
viewed him with complacency, as her most hopeful son. 

At the peace of 1763, Great Britain, in consequence of 
her victories, stood in a position to prescribe her own terms. 
She chose, perhaps, better for us than for herself, for by ex- 
pelling the French from Canada, we no longer feared hostile 
neighbours; and we soon found just cause to be afraid of our 
protectors. We discerned even then a truth, which the con- 
duct of France has since so strongly confirmed, that there is 
nothing which the gratitude of weak states can give, that will 
satisfy strong allies for their aid, but authority. Nations that 
want protectors, will have masters. Our settlements, no 
longer checked by enemies on the frontier, rapidly increased} 
and it was discovered, that America was growing to a size 
that could defend itself. 

In this, perhaps unforeseen, but at length obvious state of 
things, the British government conceived a jealousy of the 
Colonies, of which, and of their intended measures of pre- 
caution, they made no secret. 

Thus it happened, that their foresight of the evil aggra- 
vated its symptoms, and accelerated its progress. The colo- 
nists perceived that they could not be governed, as before, 
by affection; and resolved that they would not be governed 
by force. Nobly resolved! for had we submitted to the Brit- 
ish claims of right, we should have had, if any, less than our 
ancient liberty; and held what might have been left by a 
worse tenure. 

Our nation, like its great leader, had only to take counsel 
from its courage. When Washington heard the voice of his 
country in distress, his obedience was prompt; and though 
his sacrifices were great, they cost him no effort. Neither 
the object nor the limits of my plan, permit me to dilate on 
the military events of the revolutionary war. Our history is 
but a transcript of his claims on our gratitude. Our hearts 
bear testimony, that they are claims not to be satisfied. When 
overmatched by numbers; a fugitive, with a little band of 
faithful soldiers; the States as much exhausted as dismayed; 
he explored his own undaunted heart, and found there re- 
sources to retrieve our affairs. We have seen him display as 
much valor as gives fame to heroes, and as consummate pru- 
dence as ensures success to valor; fearless of dangers that 
were personal to him; hesitating and cautious, when they 
affected his country; preferring fame before safety or repose; 
and duty, before fame. 

Rome did not owe more to Fabius, than America to 

O 



98 Popular Eloquence. 

Washington. Our nation shares with him the singular glory 
of having conducted a civil war with mildness, and a revolu- 
tion, with order. 

The event of that war seemed to crown the felicity and 
glory both of America and its Chief. Until that contest, a 
great part of the civilized world had been surprisingly igno- 
rant of the force and character, and almost of the existence, 
of the British Colonies. They had not retained what they 
knew, nor felt curiosity to know the state of thirteen wretch- 
ed settlements, which vast woods inclosed, and still vaster 
woods divided from each other. They did not view the colo- 
nists so much a people, as a race of fugitives, whom want, 
and solitude, and intermixture with the savages, had made 
barbarians. Great-Briiain,they saw, was elate with her vic- 
tories: Europe stood in awe of her power: her arms made 
the thrones of the most powerful unsteady, and disturbed the 
tranquillity of their States, with an agitation more extensive 
than an earthquake. As the giant Enceladus is fabled to lie 
under Etna, and to shake the mountain when he turns his 
limbs, her hostility was felt to the extremities of the world. 
It reached to both tfce Indies; in the wilds of Africa, it ob- 
structed the commerce in slaves; the whales, finding, in time 
of war, a respite from their pursuers, could venture to sport 
between the tropics, and did not flee, as in peace, to hide 
beneath the ice-fields of the polar circle. 

At this time, while Great Britain wielded a force not in- 
ferior to that of the Roman empire under Trajan, suddenly, 
astonished Europe beheld a feeble people, till then unknown, 
stand forth, and defy this giant to the combat. It was so 
unequal, all expected it would be short. The events of that 
War were so many miracles, that attracted, as much perhaps 
as any war ever did, the wonder of mankind. Our final suc- 
cess exalted their admiration to its highest point; they al- 
lowed to Washington all that is due to transcendant virtue, 
and to the Americans more than is due to human nature. 
They considered us a race of Washingtons, and admitted 
that nature in America was fruitful only in prodigies. Their 
books and their travellers, exaggerating and distorting all 
their representations, assisted to establish the opinion, that 
this is a new world, with a new order of men and things 
adapted to it; that here we practise industry, amidst the 
abundance that requires none; that we have morals so refined, 
that we do not need laws; and though we have them, yet we 
ought to consider their execution as an insult and a wrong; 
that we have virtue without weaknesses, sentiment without 



Popular Eloquence. t 99 

passions, and liberty without factions. These illusions, in 
spite of their absurdity, and, perhaps, because they are ab- 
surd enough to have dominion over the imagination only, 
have been received by many of the malecontents against the 
governments of Europe, and induced them to emigrate. Such 
illusions are too soothing to vanity, to be entirely checked in 
their currency among Americans. 

They have been pernicious, as they cherish false ideas of 
the rights of men and the duties of rulers. They have led 
the citizens to look for liberty, where it is not; and to con- 
sider the government, which is its castle, as its prison. 

Washington retired to Mount Vernon, and the eyes of the 
world followed him. He left his countrymen to their sim- 
plicity and their passions, and their glory soon departed. 
Europe began to be undeceived, and it seemed for a time, as 
if, by the acquisition of independence, our citizens were dis- 
appointed. The Confederation was then the only compact 
made " to form a perfect union of the States, to establish 
justice, to ensure the tranquillity, and provide for the secu- 
rity, of the nation;" and accordingly, union was a name that 
still commanded reverence, though not obedience: The sys- 
tem called justice was, in some of the States, iniquity reduced 
to elementary principles; and the public tranquillity was such 
a portentous calm, as reigns in deep caverns before the explo- 
sion of an earthquake. Most of the States then were in fact, 
though not in form, unbalanced democracies. Reason, it is 
true, spoke audibly in their constitutions; passion and preju- 
dice louder in their laws. It is to the honor of Massachu- 
setts, that it is chargeable with little deviation from principles. 
Its adherence to them was one of the causes of a dangerous 
rebellion. It was scarcely possible that such governments 
should not be agitated by parties, and that prevailing parties 
should not be vindictive and unjust. Accordingly, in some 
of the States, creditors were treated as outlaws; bankrupts 
were armed with legal authority to be persecutors; and, by 
the shock of all confidence and faith, society was shaken to 
its foundations. Liberty we had, but we dreaded its abuse 
almost as much as its loss, and the wise, who deplored the 
one, clearly foresaw the other. 

The States were also becoming formidable to each other. 
Tribute, under the name of impost, was for years levied by 
some of the commercial States upon their neighbours. Mea- 
sures of retaliation were resorted to, and mutual recrimina- 
tions had begun to whet the resentments, whose never failing 
progress among states is mere injustice, vengeance, and war. 



te© * Popular Eloquence. 

The peace of America hung by a thread, and factions were 
already sharpening their weapons to cut it. The project of 
three separate empires in America was beginning to be 
broached, and the progress of licentiousness would have soon 
rendered her citizens unfit for liberty in either of them. An 
age of blood and misery would have punished our disunion: 
But these were not the considerations to deter ambition from 
its purpose, while there were so many circumstances in our 
political situation to favor it. 

At this awful crisis, which all the wise so much dreaded 
at the time, yet which appears, on a retrospect, so much more 
dreadful than their fears, some man was wanting, who pos- 
sessed a commanding power over the popular passions, but 
over whom those passions had no power. — That man was 
Washington. 

His name, at the head of such a list of worthies as would 
reflect honour on any country, had its proper weight with all 
the enlightened, and with almost all the well-disposed among 
the less-informed citizens, and. blessed be God! the Consti- 
tution was adopted. Yes, to the eternal honor of America 
among the nations of the earth, it was adopted, in spite of 
the obstacles which, in any other country, and perhaps in any 
other age than this, would have been insurmountable; in spite 
of the doubts and fears, which well meaning prejudice creates 
for itself, and which party so artfully inflames into stubborn- 
ness; in spite of the vice, which it has subjected to restraint, 
and which is therefore its immortal and implacable foe; in 
spite of the oligarchies in some of the States, from whom it 
snatched dominion; it was adopted, and our country enjoys 
one more invaluable chance for its union and happiness: in- 
valuable! if the retrospect of the dangers we have escaped, 
shall sufficiently inculcate the principles we have so tardily 
established. Perhaps multitudes are not to be taught by their 
fears only, without suffering much to deepen the impression: 
for experience brandishes in her school a whip of scorpions, 
and teaches nations her summary lessons of wisdom by the 
scars and wounds of their adversity. 

The amendments which have been projected in some of 
the States show, that in them at least, these lessons are not 
well remembered. In a confederacy of States, some power- 
ful, others weak, the weakness of the federal union will, 
sooner or later, encourage, and will not restrain, the ambition 
and injustice of the members. The weak can no otherwise 
be strong or safe, but in the energy of the national govern- 
ment. It is this defect, — which the blind jealousv of the 



Popular Eloquence. 101 

weak States not unfrequently contributes to prolong, — that 
has proved fatal to all the confederations that ever existed. 

Although it was impossible that such merit as Washing- 
ton's should not produce envy, it was scarcely possible that, 
with such a transcendent reputation, he should have rivals. 
Accordingly, he was unanimously chosen President of the 
United States. 

As a general and a patriot, the measure of his glory was 
already full: there was no fame left for him to excel but his 
own; and even that task, the mightiest of all his labours, his 
civil magistracy has accomplished. 

No sooner did the new government begin its auspicious 
course, than order seemed to arise out of confusion. The 
governments of Europe had seen the old Confederation sink- 
ing, squalid and pale, into the tomb, when they beheld the 
new American Republic rise suddenly from the ground, and, 
thiowing off its grave clothes, exhibiting the stature and pro- 
portions of a young giant, refreshed with sleep. Commerce 
and industry awoke, and were cheerful at their labours; for 
credit and confidence awoke with them. Every where was 
the appearance of prosperity; and the only fear was, that its 
progress was too rapid, to consist with the purity and sim- 
plicity of ancient manners. The cares and labours of the 
President were incessant: his exhortations, example, and au- 
thority, were employed to excite zeal and activity for the 
public service: able officers were selected, only for their 
merits; and some of them remarkably distinguished them- 
selves by their successful management of the public business. 
Government was administered with such integrity, without 
mystery, and in so prosperous a course, that it seemed to be 
wholly employed in acts of beneficence. Though it has made 
many thousand malecontents, it has never, by its rigor, or 
injustice, made one man wretched. 

Such was the state of public affairs: and did it not seem 
perfectly to ensure uninterrupted harmony to the citizens? 
did they not, in respect to their government and its adminis- 
tration, possess their whole heart's desire? They had seen 
and suffered long the want of an efficient constitution: they 
had freely ratified it: they saw Washington, their tried friend, 
the father of his country, invested with its powers. They 
knew that he could not exceed or betray them, without for- 
feiting his own reputation. Consider, for a moment, what a 
reputation it was: Such as no man ever before possessed by 
so clear a title, and in so high a degree. His fame seemed 
in its purity to exceed even its brightness: office took honor 



102 Popular Eloquence. 

from his acceptance, but conferred none. Ambition stood 
awed and darkened by his shadow. For where, through the 
wide earth, was the man so vain as to dispute precedence 
with him; or what were the honors that could make the pos- 
sessor Washington's superior? Refined and complex as the 
ideas of virtue are, even the gross could discern in his life 
the infinite superiority of her rewards. Mankind perceived 
some change in their ideas of greatness: the splendor of 
power, and even of the name of conqueror, had grown dim 
in their eyes. They did not know that Washington could 
augment his fame; but they knew and felt, that the world's 
wealth, and its empire too, would be a bribe far beneath his 
acceptance. 

This is not exaggeration; never was confidence in a man 
and a chief magistrate more widely diffused, or more solidly 
established. 

If it had been in the nature of man that we should enjoy 
liberty, without the agitations of party, the United States had 
a right, under these circumstances, to expect it: but it was 
impossible. Where there is no liberty, they may be exempt 
from party. It will seem strange, but it scarcely admits a 
doubt, that there are fewer malecontents in Turkey, than in 
any free state in the world. Where the people have no 
power, they enter into no contests, and are not anxious to 
know how they shall use it. The spirit of discontent becomes 
torpid for want of employment, and sighs itself to rest. The 
people sleep soundly in their chains, and do not even dream 
of their weight. They lose their turbulence with their energy, 
and become as tractable as any other animals: a state of de- 
gradation, in which they extort our scorn, and engage our 
pity, for the misery they do not feel. Yet that heart is a 
base one, and fit only for a slave's bosom, that would not 
bleed freely, rather than submit to such a condition; for 
liberty with all its parties and agitations is more desirable 
than slavery. Who would not prefer the republics of ancient 
Greece, where liberty once subsisted in its excess, its de- 
lirium, terrible in its charms, and glistening to the last with 
the blaze of the very fire that consumed it? 

How great he appeared, while he administered the gov- 
ernment, how much greater when he retired from it,* how he 
accepted the chief military command under his wise and up- 

* By the constitution of the United States, 2d Art. sect. 1, the president 
is elected for four years, at the expiration of that term Washington wish- 
ed to resign, but was persuaded to be re-elected four years longer; he 
then resigned and retired to nvivate lift*. E. 



Popular Eloquence. IGo 

right successor, how his life was unspotted like his fame, and 
how his death was worthy of his life, are so many distinct 
subjects of instruction, and each of them singly more than 
enough for an elogium. I leave the task however to historv 
and to posterity; they will be faithful to it. 

It is not impossible, that some will affect to consider the 
honours paid to this great patriot by the nation, as excessive, 
idolatrous, and degrading to freemen, who are all equal. I 
answer, that refusing to virtue its legitimate honors would 
not prevent their being lavished, in future, on any worthless 
and ambitious favourite. If this day's example should have 
its natural effect, it will be salutary. Let such honors be so 
conferred only when, in future, they shall be so merited: 
Then the public sentiment will not be misled, nor the prin- 
ciples of a just equality corrupted. The best evidence of 
reputation is a man's whole life. We have now, alas! all 
Washington's before us. There has scarcely appeared a 
really great man, whose character has been more admired in 
his life time, or less correctly understood by his admirers; 
When it is comprehended, it is no easy task to delineate its 
excellencies in such a manner, as to give to the portrait both 
interest and resemblance. For it requires thought and study 
to understand the true ground of the superiority of his char- 
acter over many others, whom he resembled in the principles 
of action, and even in the manner of acting. But perhaps he 
excels all the great men that ever lived, in the steadiness of 
his adherence to his maxims of life, and in the uniformity of 
all his conduct to the same maxims. These maxims, though 
wise, were yet not so remarkable for their wisdom, as for 
their authority over his life: For if there were any errors in 
his judgment, (and he discovered as few as any man) we 
know of no blemishes in his virtue. He was the patriot with- 
out reproach: He loved his country well enough to hold his 
success in serving it an ample recompense. Thus far self- 
love and love of country coincided: But when his country 
needed sacrifices, that no other man could, or perhaps would 
be willing to make, he did not even hesitate. This was vir- 
tue in its most exalted character. More than once he put his 
fame at hazard, when he had reason to think it would be 
sacrificed, at least in this age. Two instances cannot be de- 
nied: When the army was disbanded; and again, when he 
stood, like Leonidas at the pass of Thermopylae, to defend 
our independence against France. 

It is indeed almost as difficult to draw his character, as the 
portrait of Virtue. The reasons are similar. Our ideas of 



104 Popular Eloquence. 

moral excellence are obscure, because they arc complex, and 
we are obliged to resort to illustrations. Washington's ex- 
ample is the happiest to show what virtue is; and to delineate 
his character, we naturally expatiate on the beauty of virtue: 
Much must be felt, and much imagined. His pre-eminence 
is not so much to be seen in the display of any one virtue, as 
in the possession of them all, and in the practice of the most 
difficult. Hereafter therefore his character must be studied 
before it will be striking; and then it will be admitted as a 
model; a precious one to a free Republic! 

It is no less difficult to speak of his talents. They were 
adapted to lead, without dazzling mankind; and to draw 
forth and employ the talents of others, without being misled 
by them. In this he was certainly superior, that he neither 
mistook nor misapplied his own. His great modesty and re- 
serve would have concealed them, if great occasions had not 
called them forth; and then, as he never spoke from the af- 
fectation to shine, nor acted from any sinister motives, it is 
from their effects only that we are to judge of their greatness 
and extent. In public trusts, where men, acting conspicu- 
ously, are cautious, and in those private concerns, where few 
conceal or resist their weaknesses, Washington was uniformly 
great; pursuing right conduct from right maxims. His talents 
were such, as assist a sound judgment, and ripen with it. His 
prudence was consummate, and seemed to take the direction 
of his powers and passions; for, as a soldier, he was more 
solicitous to avoid mistakes that might be fatal, than to per- 
form exploits that are brilliant; and as a statesman, to adhere 
to just principles, however old, than to pursue novelties; and 
therefore, in both characters, his qualities were singularly 
adapted to the interest, and were tried in the greatest perils, 
of the country. His habits of inquiry were so far remarkable, 
that he was never satisfied with investigating, nor desisted 
from it, so long as he had less than all the light that he could 
obtain upon a subject; and then he made his decision without 
bias. 

This command over the partialities that so generally stop 
men short, or turn them aside, in their pursuit of truth, is 
one of the chief causes of his unvaried course of right con- 
duct in so many difficult scenes where every human actor 
must be presumed to err. 

If he had strong passions, he had learned to subdue them, 
and to be moderate and mild. If he had weaknesses he con- 
cealed them, which is rare, and excluded them from the 
government of his temper and conduct, which is still more 



Popular Eloquence* 105 

rare. If he loved fame, he never made improper compliances 
for what is called popularity. The fame he enjoyed is of the 
kind that will last forever; yet it was rather the effect, than 
the motive, of his conduct. Some future Plutarch will search 
for a parallel to his character. Epaminondas is perhaps the 
brightest name of all antiquity. Our Washington resembled 
him in the purity and ardor of his patriotism; and like him, 
he first exalted the glory of his country. There, it is to be 
hoped, the parallel ends: For Thebes fell with Epaminondas. 
But such comparisons cannot be pursued far, without depart- 
ing from the similitude. For we shall find it as difficult to 
compare great men as great rivers. Some we admire for the 
length and rapidity of their current, and the grandeur of 
their cataracts: others, for the majestic silence and fulness of 
their streams: We cannot bring them together to measure 
the difference of their waters. The unambitious life of Wash- 
ington, declining fame yet courted by it, seemed, like the Ohio, 
to choose its long way through solitudes, diffusing fertility; 
or like his own Potowmac, widening and deepening his chan- 
nel, as he approaches the sea, and displaying most the use- 
fulness and serenity of his greatness towards the end of his 
course. Such a citizen would do honour to any country. 
The constant veneration and affection of his country will 
show, that it was worthy of such a citizen. 

However his military fame may excite the wonder of man- 
kind, it is chiefly by his civil magistracy, that his example 
will instruct them. Great generals have arisen in all ages of 
the world, and perhaps most in those of despotism and dark- 
ness. In times of violence and convulsion, they rise, by the 
force of the whirlwind, high enough to ride in it, and direct 
the storm. Like meteors, they glare on the black clouds with 
a splendor, that, while it dazzles and terrifies, makes nothing 
visible but the darkness. The fame of heroes is indeed grow- 
ing vulgar: They multiply in every long war: They stand in 
history, and thicken in their ranks, almost as undistinguished 
as their own soldiers. 

But such a chief magistrate as Washington, appears like 
the pole star in a clear sky, to direct the skilful statesman. 
His presidency will form an epoch, and be distinguished as 
the age of Washington. Already it assumes its high place 
in the political region. Like the milky way, it whitens along 
its allotted portion of the hemisphere. The latest generations 
of men will survey, through the telescope of history, the 
space where so many virtues blend their rays, and delight to 
separate them into groups and distinct virtues. As the best 

P 



106 Deliberative Eloquence. 

illustration of them, the living monument, to which the first 
of patriots would have chosen to consign his fame, it is my 
earnest prayer to heaven, that our country may subsist, even 
to that late day, in the plenitude of its liberty and happiness, 
and mingle its mild glory with Washington's. 



ABSTRACT OF 

Mr. DeponceaiCs Address on the early history of Pennsylva- 
nia, before the Philosophical Society. 

See you yon gallant ship, sailing with propitious gales, up 
the Delaware.* Her decks are covered with passengers, en- 
joying the mild temperature of our climate, and the serenity 
of our autumnal sky. They view with astonishment the novel 
scenery which strikes their sight: immense forests on each 
side, half despoiled of their red and yellow leaves, with which 
the ground is profusely strewed. No noise is heard around 
them, save that of the deer, rustling through the trees, as she 
flies from the Indian, who pursues her, with his bow and 
arrow. Now and then a strange yell strikes the ear, from a 
distance: which the echoes of the woods reverberate, and 
forms a strong contrast to the awful stillness of the scene. 
Observe the plainness of the dress of those venerable pil- 
grims, and see them lift their eyes, with silent gratitude to 
Heaven. They are a chosen band of friends who have left 
the British shores to establish here in peace, their philan- 
thropic commonwealth: their ship is called the Welcome, 
Greenaway commands her, and William Penn is among 
them.f Now they land at New Castle, amidst the acclamations 

* The Delaware river rises near the Katskill mountains, in the state of 
New York, and in its course, separates the state of Pennsylvania from 
those of New York and New Jersey, a few miles below Philadelphia; and 
it separates the state of Delaware from New Jersey: it empties itself in 
Delaware bay; from the mouth of this bay to Philadelphia, is 118 miles 
navigable water. — E. 

| William Penn, the original founder and proprietor of Pennsylvania, 
was born in London, 14th October, 1644, and died at Jordans in Bucking- 
hamshire, 30th July, 1718. His biographers assure us he was born to , 
reputation and fortune, a long line of illustrious ancestry made the avenue 
to his distinguished usefulness easily accessible, and his stern virtue forti- 
fied his judgment with the nerve of a Roman: whilst his benevolent heart, 
gave impulse to those generous actions of his life, which his friends and 
admirers exhibit freely as the proud evidence of his extensive usefulness; 
as a good citizen, a faithful subject, and a generous friend. Like most 
other benefactors of the human family, William Penn had some early to- 



Deliberative Eloquence, 107 

of the diversified population which inhabit these shores. The 
English, the Welch, the Dutch, the Germans, the Swedes, all 
crowd to hail the great man whom they had been expecting 
for one long year, and whose fame had already preceded him 
to these distant regions. The historian will not omit to de- 
scribe this pleasing scene, and it will be more than once the 
favourite subject of the painter's pencil. He will choose the 
instant when William Penn has just landed with his principal 
followers, while the others are still on board the vessel or in 
the boats, making for the shore. There you see him support- 
ed by his friend Pierson. From his manly port, and the re- 
solution which his countenance displays, you would take him 
to be a warrior, if the mild philanthropy which beams from 
his eyes, did not reveal his profession, still more than the 
simplicity of his garb.* He who stands before him in British 
regimentals, and whom he shakes affectionately by the hand, 

kens of a distinguishing Providence, which turned his affections from that 
self concern for individual life wherever its indulgence seemed to mar the 
peace, or interrupt the social order of public good. 

At eleven years of age, he surveyed the works of nature with that calm 
meditation, which ever afterwards convinced his family that he was then 
deeply impressed with the important truth, that " there is a God who gov- 
erns the Universe, and that all the works of nature, are guided by his 
providence and subject to his control." Hence it is believed that his pe- 
culiar religious tenets which he so boldly and successfully propagated in 
after life, were then impressed upon his juvenile mind. His father and 
family were unfriendly to Quakerism, as it was termed, and were at much 
pains to prevent its culture, through the fortunate medium of their son's 
instrumentality. 

" In the European temple of Fame, Willian Penn is placed on the side 
of Lycurgus. Will America refuse a temple to her patriots and her he- 
roes? No, she will not. The glorious dome already arises; its architec- 
ture is of the neatest and chastest order; its dimensions are spacious; its 
proportions are elegant and correct. In its front a number of niches are 
formed; in some of them statues are placed. On the left hand of the por- 
tal are the names and figures of Warren, Montgomery, Mercer; on the 
right hand are the names of Calvert, Penn, Franklin. In the middle, is a 
niche of larger size and decorated with peculiar ornaments. On the left 
side of it are sculptured the trophies of war, on the right the more pre- 
cious emblems of peace Above it, is represented the rising glory of the 
United States. It is without a statue and without a name: beneath it, in 
letters very legible are these words — ** For the most worthy." By the 
enraptured voice of grateful America, with the consenting plaudits of an 
admiring world, the designation is unanimously made late — very late — 
may the niche be filled." — Wilson. 

* This has an allusion to the simple, plain dress, for which the first qua- 
kers were so remarkable: they were, it seems, at all times averse to gay, 
fashionable colours in apparel, and were uniform in appearance. The 
present associations of these respectable people, are equally amiable in 
their manners, and I believe sincere in their faith, but less uniform il 
their exterior habits. — E. 



•iOS Deliberative Eloquence* 

is his relation Markham, whom he had sent in the preceding 
year, to explore the land and prepare the way for the new 
settlers. Those on the right, a numerous band, are your 
honoured ancestors; some of wh^m, accompanied him on the 
voyage, and others had arrived before, and are now assem- 
bled here to greet him; there stand Pemberton, Moore, Yard- 
ley, Wain, Lloyd, Pusey, Chapman, Wood, Hollingsworth, 
Rhoades, Hall, Gibbons, Bonsall, Sellers, Claypole,* whose 
ancestor not many years before, ruled the destinies of the 
British Empire; West,f one of whose descendants will charm 
the world by his magic pencil, and for whose name and fame 
rival nations will in after ages contend: and many other wor- 
thies, whom it would be too long to enumerate. On the left 
is a number of Swedes, whom their national dress, light hair, 
and northern countenances sufficiently designate: there you 
see the brothers Swanson, who own the ground on which the 
city of Philadelphia is soon to stand: and whose name, one 
of our streets will perpetuate. With them are Stille, Bank- 
son, Kempe, Rambo, Peterson, and several others whose 
names still live in their descendants. Their leader is Lacy 
Cock4 whose merit entitled him to a seat in the first coun- 
cil of the new commonwealth. Observe how he extends his 
hands; promising in the name of his countrymen, to love, 
serve, and obey their revered proprietor; and declaring, that 
this is the best day they ever saw. The Dutch are dissemi- 
nated through the town, which was built by them, as you 
may easily perceive, by the sharp pointed roofs of their 
houses. They smoke their pipes in silence: and after their 
manner, partake of the general joy. But see close to that 
half ruined fort, this motley group of Indians, whose anxiety 
manifests itself on their countenances; and who view the new 
comers with looks, in which suspicion seems as yet to pre- 
dominate. They are the Lenni Lenape^ whose history and 
manners are already familiar to you. At their head is Tama- 
rind,!! the great and the good, who is said never to have had 

♦ Claypole family are descended from the protector, Oliver Cromwell. 

f Benjamin West, a native of Chester county, Pennsylvania, was born 
10th October, 1738. He was a most eminent historic painter; he went to 
Europe, 1760, and died, president of the Academy of Fine Arts in London, 
11th March, 1820. 

| Lais or Lawrence Cock, corrupted into Lacy Cock. 

§ Lenni Lenape were the Delaware Indians who inhabited Pennsylva- 
nia on William Penn's arrival at New Castle.— E. 

|| Tamarind, the same who is usually termed St. Tammany. For his 
character, see Heckewelder's History of the Indian Nations, ch, 0. 



Deliberative Eloquence. 109 

his equal for virtue and goodness, and whose memory is still 
in veneration by the savage nations. His eye is steadily fixed 
on William Penn, his great mind has already discovered in 
him a congenial soul; alone, among his tribe he shows by his 
looks, that noble confidence which will not be deceived. He 
it is, who under that Elm tree, which many of us have seen 
in its vigour, but which alas! has not long since been de- 
stroyed by the violence of the winter storm, will sign that 
famous treaty which the genius of West has immortalized \ 
and which a great writer* of another nation has with more 
wit than truth described as the only one, which was never 
sworn to and never broken. Nor was it violated while Penn 
lived, nor while the ascendency of his great mind was yet 
operating among us. Afterwards indeed! — but I will not an- 
ticipate on the painful duty of the historian. This memorable 
landing, took place on the 24th of October, 1682, a day of 
proud and glad remembrance, which we ought to celebrate 
on every returning anniversary. While our brethren of Mas- 
sachusetts, commemorate every year in the dreary time of 
winter, the landing of their pious ancestors on the barren 
rock of Plymouth,! which their gratitude has consecrated to 
perpetual veneration; shall we suffer the epoch of the arrival 
of our great founder, and his venerable band of followers, to 
pass away unnoticed. Let us begin this very year, to distin- 
guish ourselves, by a similar act of patriotism, at a time when 
the season invites, and the bosom of our mother earth is 
covered with her choicest fruits. 

From this day the history of Pennsylvania becomes more 
particularly your own. If I had not already trespassed too 
much upon your patience, I would with delight, pass in re- 
view before you some more at least of the interesting traits, 
with which this history abounds, and which an abler pen than 
mine^ will, I hope, at no distant day, fully delineate. Above 
all, I should love to dwell on the great character of our im- 
mortal founder, and to point out by numerous examples that 
astonishing ascendency over the minds of the mass of man- 
kind, which enabled him to raise a flourishing and powerful 
commonwealth,^: by means, of all others, the most apparently 
inadequate. To acquire and secure the possession of an ex- 

* Voltaire, a celebrated French writer, died, 1778, aged 85. 

f Plymouth, one of the chief towns of Massachusetts: it is bounded by 
Cape Cod, and Boston Bay, it is the original seat of the colonization of 
New England. Population, 1820, upwards of 3800.— E. 

% See the appendix to this volume for the population of Pennsylvania 
and of the whole United States.— E. 



110 Deliberative Eloquence. 

tensive country: inhabited by numerous tribes of warlike- 
savages, without arms, without forts, without the use or even 
the demonstration of physical force, was an experiment, which 
none but a superior mind would have conceived; which none 
but a master spirit could have successfully executed. Yet 
this experiment succeeded in a manner that has justly excited 
the astonishment of the whole world. Of all the colonies 
that ever existed, says Ebeling,* " none was ever founded on 
so philanthropic a plan, none was so deeply impressed with 
the character of its founder, none practised in a greater de- 
gree, the principles of toleration, liberty and peace; and none 
rose and flourished more rapidly than Pennsylvania. She 
was the youngest of the British colonies, established before 
the eighteenth century: but it was not long before she sur- 
passed most of her elder sisters in population, agriculture, 
and general prosperity." 



ABSTRACT FROM 

Mr. Duponceaifs Speech in Commemoration of the Landing 
of William Penn, delivered 1824. 

A century and a half has not yet elapsed, since that me- 
morable landing took place, which may be said to have given 
birth to this great state, and a rapid succession of astonishing 
events, within the last fifty years, has drawn our attention 
from the past, to ftx it upon the present. A Washington has 
appeared, who has given a new birth to an immense country, 
of which this state is only a part.f This country, from de- 
pendent colonies, has become a great nation; and assumed a 
distinguished station among the powers of the earth. Na- 
tional feelings and national objects have made us for a while 
lose sight of local ones; and the honours of Pennsylvania have 
been merged in the glories of the United States of America. 
But while as citizens of this great empire, we pay a deserved 
tribute to the illustrious men whom our Union has produced; 

* Ebeling the German historian of the United States: his book was 
printed at Hamburg, 1793: its plan like Robinson's, embraces the whole 
hemisphere." — E. 

\ This sentiment alludes to the first American war which resulted in 
the establishment of the Independence of the United States aided by the 
patriotism of its distinguished commander and chief, general George 
Washington. — E, 



Deliberative Eloquence. Hi 

while every revolving year sees us commemorate with fes- 
tivity and song the clay which gave birth to a Washington, 
and while the echo of the acclamations with which we have 
but a few days since greeted the great and good Lafayette, 
has not yet cased to reverberate,* why should we be forgetful 
of that admirable man, to whom as a state we are indebted 
for our political existence: of that sage, who by the unani- 
mous voice of mankind, has long since been ranked with 
Numaf and Confucius,:): and with the greatest among the legis- 
lators of ancient and modern times. Surely it cannot be said 
that we do not duly appreciate his merits, that we do not 
venerate his memory, that we are not sensible of the immense 
benefits that we have received at his hands, and of the honor 
that we derive from being entitled to call him peculiarly our 
own. Let us not doubt, therefore, that the example that we 
set will be hereafter regularly and extensively followed, and 
that this day, will every year be set apart by every true 
Pennsylvanian for the commemoration of the first landing 
upon our shores of William Penn. 

Nor should the annual celebration of this happy day be con- 
fined to this city or to this state. Our neighbours of Delaware 
have the same right with ourselves to participate in it. It was 
the town of Newcastle that witnessed the first landing of our 
common father and legislator: afterwards Chester, then our 
capitol, (for Philadelphia had no existence,) received the first 
impressions of his footsteps. If it were therefore permitted 
me to suggest a plan for this annual festival, I would re- 
commend, that it should take place alternately, in one of those 
two ancient towns, and in this great city, of which William 
Penn laid the foundation and which wa9 the particular object 
of his fostering care, in such manner, as should be agreed 

* On the twenty-eighth of September, 1824, General Lafayette was hon- 
orably escorted into Philadelphia, by upwards of ten thousand volunteer 
citizen soldiers, and more than that number of the honest yeomanry of 
Pennsylvania, all rejoicing to honour his presence with grateful attention, 
and his person with a universal welcome. He rode in an elegant barouche, 
drawn by six white horses, which were expressly provided by the city po- 
lice; he certainly received and very politely acknowledged to have enjoy- 
ed, all the honours it was in the power of the citizens to pay him: he 
remained in Philadelphia, partaking of the civilities and delighting in the 
associations of gratitude and hospitality every citizen was proud to tender 
him. On the fifth of October, he sailed down the Delaware with a brilliant 
escort to Newcastle, in the state of Delaware. — E. 

t Numa, king of the Sabines, was a wise legislator: he was born it is 
said on the very day that Rome was founded by Romulus. 

X Confucius, a Chinese philosopher, lived five hundred years before the 
Christian era. 



* 12 Deliberative Eloquence. 

upon, by those citizens of Pennsylvania and Delaware, who 
participated in our feelings, and are disposed to join us, in 
the celebration of this day.* 



ABSTRACT FROM 

Joseph Hopkinson, Esq's. Address to the Members of the 
Philadelphia Academy oj Fine Arts, 1827. 

The best and most useful institutions, depending for their 
support on the gratuitous aid of the public, will be neglected 
and forgotten, unless they are from time to time brought into 
notice and recollection. In an industrious community like ours, 
every individual has his own particular concerns to attend to, 
and however willing he may be to encourage and assist estab- 
lishments founded for general purposes; it cannot be expected 
that he will always bear them in mind, or be forward to ten- 
der his service where it is not asked, and for aught he knows, 
may not be wanted. It is therefore the duty of those who 
have assumed the special care of such institutions, to keep 
them constantly in the public view; and without being impor- 
tunate or unreasonable, to exhibit at proper periods their 
claims upon the liberal and enlightened portion of the conv 
munity. The annualf exhibition of the Pennsylvania Acad- 
emy of the Fine Arts seems to be a fit occasion for such an 
exposition; and it always should be made without exaggera- 
tion, either of the uses or wants of the establishment. 

The institution which you have so long fostered with pa- 
ternal solicitude, has grown into strength and importance, 
and become one of the most distinguished ornaments and 
attractions of your city. Its usefulness has kept pace with 
the brilliancy of its reputation: and those who nursed its in- 
fancy, may now look with honest pride on its maturity and 
manhood. When men embark in an enterprise so entirely 
disinterested — with no object or design but general utility, 
the most gratifying return they can have for their labours, is 
to witness their complete success — Such is your reward. 

* This address was delivered at the house, once the property and resi- 
dence of William Peno, in Lsetitia Court, (late an Inn) kept by Mr. Doyle, 
below Second street. — E. 

f This valuable exhibition takes place annually, at the Society's Acad- 
emy in Chesnut street, commencing in May, and continuing- six weeks. 
The annual increase of its paintings is alike creditable to the artists and 
i he Academy — E, 



Deliberative Eloquence. 113 

Your anxieties and trials being past, you may look back upon 
them with satisfaction. More than twenty years have elapsed, 
since this academy presented its feeble frame to you, soli- 
citing your generosity, to preserve its existence and give it 
health and growth. Without you, it would but have breathed 
and died, burying in an early grave the hope of its friends 
and the good fame of our city. But even then the infant was 
so beautiful! so full of symmetry and grace, her countenance 
beaming with the fairest and brightest of excellence, that she 
directly found her way to the hearts of the generous and kind, 
who have cherished her with open hands. This day, she is 
able with becoming confidence to thank her benefactors and 
express the hope that their expectations have not been dis- 
appointed, nor their liberality misapplied. 



Abstract from the same Address on the Advantages of 
Education* 

There is no part of the creation which changes and im- 
proves by cultivation so much as man. It is indeed the course 
of nature in all her productions. Observe the flower that 
spreads its rich and variegated leaves in the garden, whose 
colours are so brilliant, whose odours so fragrant, — when 
taken from the meadow or the forest, it was perhaps an in- 
significant, unattractive plant; see the fruits and vegetables 
that with their delicious and various flavours aflbrd a health- 
ful and luxurious food, they were scarcely palatable in their 
pristine state. Infinitely greater is the distance which sepa- 
rates the educated, refined man, from the savage tenant of 
woods and caves! 

Imagine, a beautiful woman, and imagination is not wanted 
to present one to you stored and adorned with accomplish- 
ments, with knowledge; her eyes beaming with gentleness 
and intelligence; her manners softened by timidity, her spirit 
subdued and touching as the breathings of the harp of the 
winds, and her soul as innocent as an infant's: the plant* that 
shrinks from the touch, is not more sensitive than her deli- 
cacy: nor the dew drop that rests upon it more pure than 
her mind. How open and sweet is her benevolence, how 
soothing her sympathy, how tender and constant her friend- 
ship, how divine her love! 

Turn from this picture of the perfection of our species, and 

* The sensitive plant is one of the most interesting" productions of nature's 
garden, it is said by naturalists to be the link which binds the animal and 
vegetable creation together. — E. 



114 Deliberative Eloquence. 

behold a squalid figure crawling from some damp and dark- 
ened den covered with her own matted and filthy hair, staring 
about with a vacant stupidity to seize upon some morsel torn 
from the earth, to satisfy the cravings of hunger, ignorant of 
every moral duty and restraint: a mere human beast, and say 
this too is a woman, and you will know what is the power of 
education. 



ABSTRACT FROM 

Joseph R. IngersoWs Discourse before the Philomathean* 
Society, July, 1827. 

The cultivation of classical learning is invited by so many 
personal inducements, and self-interested motives, that it 
Would seem to be scarcely necessary to appeal to remote and 
secondary considerations for its support. If intellectual gra- 
tifications are purer, more elevated, ennobling, and permanent 
than the indulgence of sensual appetites, there must be a plea- 
sure in acquiring knowledge which is at the same time its own 
temptation and reward. But unlike other pleasures, excess in 
learning neither exhausts the faculties which it exercises, nor 
satiates by indulgence. The food is not more abundant than 
the appetite is insatiable. It neither tires upon the taste, nor 
oppresses by its accumulation. It is adapted to every station 
and to every period of life. It sooths the distressed in the 
moments of sorrow, it relieves the prosperous from the irk- 
someness of satiety and repose. It has been justly termed 
" the aliment of youth, and the delight and consolation of 
declining years." Classical study, not merely opens to the 
view an extensive field of information, — it refines the taste, 
liberalises the feelings, strengthens the memory, indulges 
without spoiling the fancy, renders precise and accurate the 
knowledge of things, by the due and constant application to 
them of their appropriate terms, and forms and fixes habits 
of industry and application. The orator finds in the pursuit, 
bright and abundant illustrations for his argument — the poet 
gathers rich stores of luxuriant imagery, while studying the 
orginals of his art, that in early times peculiarly abounded in 
figurative language — the philosopher discovers the secret and 
powerful springs by which human nature was moved under 
circumstances widely different from those now presented to 

* This word is derived from the Latin Philomathia, and signifies lovers 
of science, and is bappily appropriated when used to entitle a respectable 
association for th« promotion of classic learning.— E> 



Deliberative Eloquence. 115 

his contemplation and confirms the certainty of his conclu- 
sions in the uniform operation of causes and effects. 

Classical learning aids every literary investigation and 
ministers to every philosophic pursuit. It is a companion in 
the forum as well as the college; a friend and assistant in the 
tumult of political controversy, as well as a along the cool 
sequestered vale of life." In many a field of scientific war- 
fare, it is the tutelar goddess that accompanied Diomed^ 
through a thousand dangers. In the dark hour of scientific 
mystery it is the sybil's branch — the donum fatalis virgx — 
which leads its possessor through perils and difficulties to the 
light of day. The proper time for this invaluable acquisition is 
early youth. How otherwise, should the young be so profitably 
employed? While the mind is yet immature for metaphysical 
refinements, or the sublime mysteries of philosophy, the 
acuteness of the understanding may be developed, and the 
habit of critical analysis and investigation be formed and 
fixed. Then acquirement must be made, or the opportunity 
is lost for ever. After enjoyments and after cares press too 
closely on the attention and occupy too large a portion of the 
time, to permit the introduction of studies which must pre- 
cede the business period of life: if here and there a distin- 
guished and gifted individual, by the mere force of native 
intellect has been able to overcome the deficiencies of early 
finished education, the rare occurrence is to be admired, but 
not imitated or approved. 

Classical studies are recommended by the familiar ac- 
quaintance which they occasion with the wise and good of 
former times. Antiquity itself, possesses a powerful charm. 
Perusing the very language which was uttered by Demos- 
thenes, is next in satisfaction to the enjoyment of personal 
communion with the orator himself. Interest is excited and 
curiosity awakened towards all objects of sublimity and beau- 
ty, less by the symmetry perceptible to the eye, than by the 
association created in the mind.f 

* Diomedes a most valiant king of Thrace, and an ingenious gramma- 
rian, (next to Achilles and Ajax) in point of bravery; he is said to have fed 
his horses on human flesh, uDtil he was overcome by Hercules, who, it is 
said, then threw his body to his own horses to eat. 

f The editor exceedingly regrets that he cannot extract more from this 
beautiful address, without injustice to its eloquent author's arrangement 
of its parts; the whole, is an able exhibition of classic attainments, and 
was most happily adapted to the occasion on which it ivas delivered. 

Its classic purity of style, its instructive matter, and truly engaging- 
method is so full of interest to the scholar, that he may read it over twenty 
times at least, without losing the pleasure its first perusal affords him. — E. 



LESSONS IN DELIBERATIVE ELOQUENCE, 

PATRICK HENRY'S SPEECH 

Before the Virginia Convention, 1775, 



Mr. President, 

It is natural to man to indulge in the illusions of hope. 
We are apt to shut our eyes against a painful truth— and 
listen to the song of that syren,* till she transforms us into 
beasts. Is this the part of wise men, engaged in a great 
and arduous struggle for liberty? Are we disposed to be of 
the number of those, who having eyes see not, and having 
ears, hear not the things which so nearly concern their tem- 
poral salvation? For my part, whatever anguish of spirit it 
may cost me, I am willing to know the whole truth; to know 
the worst, and to provide for it. 

I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided, and 
that is the lamp of experience. I know of no way of judging of 
the future but by the past. And judging by the past, I wished 
to know what there has been in the conduct of the British min- 
istry for the last ten years, to justify those hopes with which 
gentlemen have been pleased to solace themselves and the 
house? Is it that insidious smile with which our petition has 
been lately received? Trust it not, sir; it will prove a snare 
to your feet. Suffer not yourselves to be betrayed with a kiss. 
Ask yourselves how this gracious reception of our petition 
comports with those warlike preparations! which cover our 

* Syren is said to be a mermaid or monster of the deep, who enticed 
men by singing, and then devours them. 

f This speech was delivered at a time when the British fleet were ho- 
vering around the American coast, though afraid to avow their design.— E. 



Deliberative Eloquence. 117 

waters and darkens our land. Are fleets and armies necessary 
to a work of love and reconciliation? Have we shown our- 
selves so unwilling to be reconciled, that force must be called 
in to win back our love? Let us not deceive ourselves, sir. 
These are the implements of war and subjugation — the last 
arguments to which kings resort. I ask gentlemen, sir, what 
means this martial array, if its purpose be not to force us to 
submission? Can gentlemen assign any other possible motive 
for it? Has Great Britain any enemy in this quarter of the 
world, to call for all this accumulation of navies and armies? 
No sir, she has none. They are meant for us: they can be 
meant for no other. They are sent over to bind and rivet 
upon us those chains, which the British ministry have been 
so long forging. And what have we to oppose to them? Shall 
we try argument? Sir, we have been trying that for the last 
ten years. Have we any thing new to offer upon the subject? 
Nothing. We have held the subject up in every light of 
which it is capable; but it has been all in vain. Shall we re- 
sort to entreaty and humble supplication? What terms shall 
we find, which have not been already exhausted? Lut us 
not, I beseech you, sir, deceive ourselves longer. Sir, we 
have done every thing that could be done, to avert the storm 
which is now coming on. We have petitioned — we have re- 
monstrated — we have supplicated — we have prostrated our- 
selves before the throne, and have implored its interposition 
to arrest the ty rannical hands of the ministry and parliament. 
Our petitions have been slighted; our remonstrances have 
produced additional violence and insult; our supplications 
have been disregarded; and we have been spurned, with con- 
tempt, from the foot of the throne. In vain, after these things, 
may we indulge the fond hope of peace and reconciliation. 

There is no longer any room for hope. If we wish to be 
free — if we mean to preserve inviolate those inestimable pri- 
vileges for which we have been so long contending — if we 
mean not basely to abandon the noble struggle in which we 
have been so long engaged, and which we have pledged our- 
selves never to abandon, until the glorious object of our con- 
test shall be obtained — we must fight! — I repeat it, sir, we 
must fight! An appeal to arms and to the God of Hosts* is all 
that is left us! 

* Host is here a scripture phrase, and as such, signifies an army. See 
Exodus 14, 24; Genesis 2. 1. 



118 Deliberative Eloquence. 

They tell us, sir, that we are weak — unable to cope 
with so formidable an adversary. But when shall we be 
stronger? Will it be the next week, or the next year? Will 
it be when we are totally disarmed, and when a British guard 
shall be stationed in every house? Shall we gather strength 
by irresolution and inaction? Shall we acquire the means of ef- 
fectual resistance by lying supinely on our backs, and hug- 
ging the delusive phantom of hope, until our enemies shall 
have bound us hand and foot? Sir, we are not weak, if we 
make a proper use of those means, which the God of nature 
hath placed in our power. Three millions of people armed in 
the holy cause of liberty, and in such a country as that which 
we possess, are invincible by any force which our enemy can 
send against us. Besides, sir, we shall not fight our battles 
alone. There is a just God who presides over the destinies 
of nations; and who will raise up friends to fight our battles 
for us. The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone; it is to the 
vigilant, the active, the brave. Besides, sir, we have no elec- 
tion. If we were base enough to desire it, it is now too late 
to retire from the contest. There is no retreat, but in sub- 
mission and slavery ! Our chains are forged. Their clanking 
may be heard on the plains of Boston! The war is inevitable 
and let it come!! I repeat it, sir, let it come!!!* 

It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter; gentlemen may 
cry peace, peace — but there is no peace. The war is actual- 
ly begun. The next gale that sweeps from the North, will 
bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms. Our brethren 
are already in the field. Why stand we here idle? what is it 
that gentlemen wish? what would they have? Is life so dear, 
or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains 
and slavery? forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course 
others may take; but as for me, give me liberty, or give me 
death. 

Abstract from WurVs sketches of Henry's Speeches. 
Mr. President, 

Why shall we fetter commerce? If a man is in chains, he 
droops and bows to the earth, for his spirits are broken; but 
let him twist the fetters from his legs, and he will stand erect. 
Fetter not commerce, Sir. Let her be as free as air — she 

* We are left to conjecture what attitude the Orator assumed in these con- 
cluding words; but if we are to judge from the influence such appeals 
when made to a jury had, he presented to his audience a look of defiance 
♦hat no human power could daunt, no unprejudiced ear could avert. — Ed 



Deliberative Eloquence. 119 

will range the whole creation, and return on the wings of the 
four winds to bless the land with plenty. 



<ftn Mdress of the Legislature of Pennsylvania to Gen, 
Lafayette, 17S4.* 

The representatives of the freemen of the State of Pennsyl- 
vania, offer you their most affectionate congratulations on your 
safe arriv.nl in Philadelphia, and welcome you in the name 
of the State. Enjoying the blessings of liberty and peace, 
we contemplate with peculiar delight, those distinguished 
characters who braved the dangers of the ocean, to unite in 
our struggle against oppression; and to aid us, in bringing our 
revolutionary war to a happy termination. We consider you 
as the first among those illustrious men; — your example and 
your zeal, animated and encouraged even our own citizens, 
and you did not depart from us until the object of our wishes 
was accomplished. Receive, sir, this mark of our gratitude for 
the numerous services that you have rendered to this country, 
both in the cabinet and the field. May your abode in Ameri- 
ca be as pleasing to you, as to a nation which can never forget 
the brilliant conduct, and distinguished talents, of the Mar- 
quis De Lafayette. 

To this address the marquis replied in the following terms; 

I deeply feel the flattering testimonial of approbation, with 
which I am honoured by the Legislature of Pennsylvania. 
My reception in this city — the remembrance of the great ob- 
ligations which I owe to this State — the beautiful spectacle 
created by the return of peace and plenty — all concur, at this 
time, in augmenting my happiness. I sensibly acknowledge, 
gentlemen, your goodness in recalling my feeble efforts to 
your remembrance; — and I also recollect the impression 
which your zeal, your patriotism, and your perseverance, at 
that time> made upon my mind. Now thai great work is ac- 
complished, let us mutually congratulate ourselves on the fed- 
eral union, which the peace has cemented, and upon which 
the importance, the power and the riches of this beautiful 
country, rest: that union is the bond which will continue to 
preserve brotherly love and reciprocal friendship among the 
citizens of the States. I will be happy to receive the com- 
mands of this republic at every period of my existence, and 

* This was the first triumphant visit to America General Lafayette volun- 
tarily made after the treaty of peace was signed between Great Britain and 
the United States. His second visit was in the year 1824, — Erf. 



120 Deliberative Eloquence. 

in whatever part of the world I may be: my zeal for its pros- 
perity is only equalled by my gratitude and respect. 

Jin Indian Chief's Speech to Gen. Layfayette, while in 
the United States. 

Father, 

We have heard thy voice, and we rejoice that thou hast 
visited thy children, to give to them good and necessary ad- 
vice: thou hast said that we have done wrong in opening our 
ears to wicked men, and closing our hearts to thy counsels. 
Father! it is all true; we have left the good path; we have 
wandered away from it, and been enveloped in a black cloud. 
We have now returned, that thou mayest find in us, good and 
faithful children. Father! we rejoice to hear thy voice 
amongst us; it seems that the Great Spirit has directed thy 
footsteps to this council of friendship, to smoke the calumet 
of peace and fellowship, with thy long lost children. 

Gen. Lafayette's Address to the Legislature of Virginia. 

17S4. 

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen, 

I renew my acknowledgment of the flattering favours you 
this day confer upon me, and through you to the whole State 
of Virginia, for its constant partiality and unbounded confi- 
dence in the most trying times.* I need not add what my sen- 
timents must be in Virginia, where, step by step, I have so 
keenly felt for her distress — so eagerly enjoyed her recovery 
— our armed force was obliged to retreat, but your patriotic 
hearts stood unshaken; and while either, at that period, or in 
our better hours, my obligations to you are numberless, I am 
happy in this opportunity to observe, that the excellent ser- 
vices of your militia were continued with unparalleled steadi- 
ness. Impressed with the necessity of federal union, I was 
the more pleased in the command of an army so peculiarly 
federal, as Virginia herself freely bled in defence of her sis- 
ter states, in my wishes to this Commonwealth, Gentlemen, 
I will persevere with the same zeal that once and forever has 
devoted me to her. May her fertile soil rapidly increase 
her wealth— may all the waters which so luxuriantly flow 

* Another part of this volume sufficiently describes the consummate skill 
of General Lafayette in rescuing from the enemy the possession of a part 
of Virginia, and many of her brave soldiers, which would otherwise have 
b-een an irreparable loss to the union. — Fd. 



Deliberative Eloquence. 121 

within her limits be happy channels of the most extensive 
trade*, and may she, in her wisdom, and in the enjoyment 
of prosperity, continue to give to the world unquestionable 
proofs of her philanthropy, and her regard for the liberties 
of all mankind. 



Gen. Lafayette to the National Assembly of France. 

Gentlemen, 

You well knew the necessities of France, and the will of 
Frenchmen, when you destroyed the Gothict fabrics of our 
government and laws, and respected only their monarchical 
principal. Europe then discovered that a good king could 
be the protector of a free, as he had been the ground 
of eomfoit to an oppressed people. The rights of man are 
declared; the sovereignty of the people acknowledged; their 
power is representative; and the bases of public order are 
established. Hasten then to give energy to the power of the 
state. The people owe to you the glory of a new Constitu- 
tion: but they require and expect that peace and tranquillity 
which cannot exist without a firm and effectual organization 
of government. 

We, gentlemen, devoted to the Revolution, and united 
in the name of liberty — the guarantees alike of individual 
and common rights and safety — we, called by the most im» 
perative duty from all parts of the kingdom, founding our 
confidence on your wisdom, and our hopes on your services, 
— we will bear, without hesitation, to the altar of the country, 
the oath which you may dictate to its soldiers, — yes, gentle- 
men, our arms shall be stretched forth together, and at the 
same time our brothers, from all parts of France, shall utter 
the oath which will unite them together. May the solemni- 
ty of that great day be the signal of the conciliation of par- 
ties, of the oblivion of resentments, and of the establishment 
of public peace and happiness. And fear not that this holy 
enthusiasm will hurry us beyond the proper and prescribed 
limits of public order. Under the protection of the law, the 
standard of liberty shall never become the rallying point of 
licentiousness and disorder. 

* The principal rivers in Virginia are, the Potomac, Rappahannock, 
York, James, Ohio, and Great and tattle Kenhawa. 

•j- Gothic fabrics — fhe Goths were a rude nation of antiquity, but this 
term is sometimes used to denote what is barbarous or monstrous. 



122 Deliberative Eloquence'. 

Gentlemen, — We swear to you to respect the law, which 
it is our duty to defend, — we swear by our honour as freemen; 
— and Frenchmen do not promise in vain. 



General Lafayette to the king of France. 
Sire,* 

In the course of those memorable events which have re- 
stored to the nation its impresriptible rights, and during 
which the energy of the people and the virtues of their king 
have produced such illustrious examples for the contemplation 
of the world, we loved to hail, in the person of your majes- 
ty, the most illustrious of all titles — chief of the French and 
king of a free people. Enjoy, Sire, the recompence of your 
virtues, and let that pure homage which despotism could not 
command, be the glory and reward of a citizen king. You 
have desired that we should possess a constitution founded on 
liberty and public order. All your wishes, Sire, shall be 
accomplished. Liberty we have secured, and our zeal is the 
guarantee of public order. The National Guards of France 
swear to your Majesty an obedience which shall know no other 
limits than those of the law, and a love which shall only ter- 
minate with their existence. 

The Speech of Pachgantschilas, an Indian chief to the 

Christian Indians in Pennsylvania^ 
My friends, ye believing (Christian) Indians 1 

I have paid attention to what you have said: your words 
proceed from a good heart, a heart which cannot think bad 
of any one. Although I am satisfied with what I have heard 
from you, yet I differ from you in opinion! I still believe that 
the tong knife people will remain always the same, until they 
have got all our land from us, and we be left to perish, or 
driven by them into the great salt water lake! (the sea). Af- 
ter once more giving you the warning not to suffer your- 

*Sire. — This word is sometimes used for father, and often as a distin- 
guishing' title of a nobleman, one who is entitled to that name under a 
regal government. This speech was spoken when Lafayette commanded 
the National Guards in France during the French revolution, which com- 
menced about July, 1789, six years after the American treaty of peace, 
and ended with the establishment of the empire under Bonaparte. — Ed. 

-{The Christian Indians were those who were converted to the Christian 
religion by the Moravian and English missionaries, who settled in Pennsyl- 
vania as early as the year 1720. In 1739 the Rev. Mr. Whitfield was an 
active and successful missionary from England to the Indians of America. 



Deliberative Eloquence. 123 

selves to be deceived by their fair words and fine speeches, I 
waive my first proposal, and propose another. 

My friends! — When I first spoke to you, I did not intend 
to compel you immediately to leave your settlements! No, 
I had no such intention: I meant to apprise you of the dan- 
ger you were in by living here, and to advise you for the 
best, and, in case you should follow my advice, then to 
help you along: but, as the attachment for the place you are 
now living at keeps your eyes closed against seeing the dan- 
ger that is so near you, I will waive my first proposal, and 
introduce another, which I ask of you to agree to. I say, 
then, friends and relatives, let every one among you have 
his free will either to go or stay: do not hinder such as la- 
bour under the impulse of fear from retiring to a safe place, 
and I am satisfied. 

•Another Speech of the same warrior. 
Friends and kinsmen. — Listen to what I say to you. — You 
see a great and powerful nation divided. You see the father 
fighting against the son, and the son against the father. The 
father has called on us Indian children to assist him in pun- 
ishing the children, the Americans, who have become refrac- 
tory. I took time to consider what I should do — whether or 
not I would receive the hatchet of my father to assist him. 
At first I looked upon it as a family quarrel in which I was 
not interested. However, at length, it appeared to me that 
the father was in the right, and his children deserved to be 
punished a little. That this must be the case I concluded 
from the many cruel acts his offspring had committed from 
time to time on his Indian children: in incroaching on their 
lands; stealing their property; shooting at and murdering, 
without cause, men, women and children: yes, even mur- 
dering those who, at all times, had been friendly to them, 
and were placed for protection under the roof of their fa- 
ther's house,* the father himself standing sentry at the door 
at the same time. 

Lafayette's Speech to the National Council of France in, 
presence of the Emperor Napoleon,^ June, 1S15. 
In love for my country, and ardent wishes to save it from 
the dangers which threaten to overwhelm it, I will not yield to 

•Meaning 1 the gaol where they were confined, to keep them from the 
outrages of the Conestoga Indians, who befriended the English, and had 
determined to massacre the Christian Indians. 

f Napoleon Bonaparte, emperor of France, was born at Corsica, 15th 
August, 1769, and died at St. Helena, a captive to Ens-land, 6th May, 
1821. 



124 Deliberative Eloquence. 

the last speaker. The sincerity of his patriotism I am not dis- 
posed to doubt: but it is with pain I am compelled to say, that 
the measures which he proposes would hasten and aggravate 
the calamities we all deprecate. The fine army with which our 
northern frontiers were covered, is no more. It can oppose 
no effectual resistance to the hordes of foreigners who have 
already passed our borders, and whose course is marked with 
devastation and blood. It is under the walls of Paris alone 
that our scattered troops will be able to unite, and dispute with 
the enemy the possession of the capital of the empire. "Of 
the issue of the contest I should not be doubtful. At the voice 
of their government, and to defend the liberty, the integrity, 
and the independence of his country, every Frenchman 
would fly to arms, and the invaders would be chased from 
our soil with sad discomfiture. But, though the triumph 
would be certain, the contest would be long and dreadful. 
Our fruitful fields would be laid waste, and our rivers run 
with blood. Is it necessary to expose our country to these, 
calamities? Is it necessary to fill it with widows and orphans? 
Are there no means by which peace may be obtained without 
compromising our honour? The last speaker has proposed 
that pacific overtures should be made to the allies; that while 
an appeal is made to French vaiour, the emperor should treat 
for peace in the most dignified manner. But with what pros- 
pect of success will he, or can he treat? Have not our ene- 
mies pledged themselves to a line of conduct which, a- 
dopted when the issue of the contest was uncertain, and 
while all France appeared to have rallied round the emperor 
of their choice, will not readily be abandoned now that vic- 
tory has crowned their efforts? Mingled sentiments of af- 
fection and respect prevent me from being more explicit. 
There is but one measure which can save the country, and 
if the ministers of the emperor will not advise him to adopt 
it, his great soul will reveal it to him. 



Abstract of Mr. Morris's Speech on the Judiciary Esta- 
blishment* 
Mr. Chairman, 

Is there a member of this house who can lay his hand on 
his heart and say, that, consistently with the plain words of 

* The honourable Governeur Morris was a distinguished member of the 
convention, from the state of New York, among those who signed the arti- 
cles of confederation, 9th July, 1778. He was many years an active and 
eloquent member of congress from that state. — Ed. 



Deliberative Eloquence. 125 

our constitution, we have a right to repeal this law? I be- 
lieve not. And, if we undertake to construe this constitution 
to our purposes, and say that the public opinion is to be our 
judge, I here is an end to all constitutions. To what will not 
this dangerous doctrine lead? Should it to-day be the popu- 
lar wish to destroy the first magistrate — you can destroy him. 
And should he, to-morrow, be able to conciliate to him the 
popular will, and lead them to wish for your destruction, it 
is easily effected. Adopt this principle, and the whim of the 
moment will not only be the law, but the constitution of our 
country. The gentleman from Virginia has mentioned a 
great nation brought to the feet of one of her servants. But 
why is she in that situation? Is it not because popular opi- 
nion was called on to decide every thing, until those who 
wore bayonets decided for all the rest. Our situation is pe- 
culiar. At present our national compact can prevent a state 
from acting hostilely towards the general interest. But, let 
this compact be destroyed, and each state becomes instanta- 
neously invested with absolute sovereignty. Is there no in- 
stance of a similar situation to be found in history? Look at 
the states of Greece.* They were once in a condition not un- 
like to that in which we should then stand. They treated 
the recommendations of their Amphyctionict council (which 
was more a meeting of ambassadors than a legislative assem- 
bly) as we did the resolutions of the old congress. Are we 
wise? so were they. Are we valiant? they, also, were brave. 
Have we one common language, and are we united under 
one head? In this, also, there is a strong resemblance. But, 
by their divisions, they became at first victims of the ambi- 
tion of Philip, X and were, at length, swallowed up in the 
Roman empire. Are we to form an exception to the gene- 
ral principles of human nature, and to all examples of history? 
And are the maxims of experience to become false when ap- 
plied to our fate? Some, indeed, flatter themselves that our 
destiny will be like that of Rome.§ Such, indeed, it might 
be, if we had the same wise, but vile aristocracy, under whose 
guidance they became the masters of the world. 

* Greece is now included in Turkey in Europe. The Greeks are now 
at war with the Turks — fighting for their independence. Their population 
is said to be 6,000,000. 1825.—^. 

f Amphyctionic— this was a Grecian council or assembly of wise men, 
who assembled to consult on the affairs of the republic, as occasion re- 
quired. 

* Philip, king of Macedon, is alluded to; he was the most ambitious man 
in his day. 

§ Jtome was in the height of her power, mistress of the then known 
world. 



126 Deliberative Eloquence. 

Mr. Chairman, — It is the happiness of these United States 
that there is no strong; aristocratic* arm here which can seize 
a citizen, scourged almost to death by a remorseless creditor, 
turn him into the ranks, and bid him, as a soldier, bear our eagle 
in triumph round the globe. I hope to God we shall never 
have such an abominable institution. But what, I ask, will 
be the situation of these states (organized as they now are) 
if, by the dissolution of our national compact, they be left to 
themselves? What is the probable result? We shall either 
be the victims of foreign intrigue, and split into factions, fall 
under the domination of a foreign power, or else, after the 
misery and torment of civil war, become the subjects of an 
usurping military despot. What but this compact — what but 
this specific part of it can save us from ruin? The judicial 
power, that fortress of the constitution, is now to be over- 
turned. Yes, with honest Ajax,t I would not only throw a 
shield before it — I would build around it a wall of brass. But 
I am too weak to defend the rampart against the host of as- 
sailants, I must call to my assistance their good sense, their 
patriotism, and their virtue. Do not, gentlemen, suffer the 
rage of passion to drive reason from her seat. If this law be 
indeed bad, let us join to remedy the defects. Has it been 
passed in a manner which wounded your pride or roused 
your resentment? Have, I conjure you. the magnanimity to 
pardon that offence. I entreat, I implore you, to sacrifice 
these angry passions to the interests of our country. Pour 
out this pride of opinion on the altar of patriotism. Let ifc 
be an expiatory libationi for the weal of America. Do not, 
for God's sake, do not suffer that pride to plunge us ail into 
the abyss of ruin. Indeed, indeed, it will be but of little, 
very little avail, whether one opinion or the other be right 
or wrong; it will heal no wounds; it will pay no debts; it 
will rebuild no ravaged towns. Do not rely on that po- 
pular will which has brought us frail beings into political ex- 
istence. That opinion is but a changeable thing. It will 
soon change. This very measure will change it. You will 
be deceived. Do not, I beseech you, in reliance on a foun- 
dation so frail, commit the dignity, the harmony, the exis- 

* A government of noblemen, where the people have no voice. — Ed. 

■\ Ajax — a Grecian general of invincible bravery. He died 1149 3. C. 
He was distinguished for his active bravery at the siege of Troy. — Ed. 

* Expiatory sac7-if.ee is a figurative expression, in allusion to a Mosaic 
ceremony of sacrificing oxen — pouring out their blood to atone or answer 
for sins. This ceremony is now abolished by the coming of Jesus Christ 
into the world, who shed his blood for all who believe in him truly with 
their hearts, intent upon righteousness. — Ed, 



Deliberative Eloquence. 127 

tence of our nation to the wild wind. Trust not your trea- 
sure to the waves. Throw not your compass and your 
charts into the ocean. Do not believe that its billows will 
waft you into port. Indeed, indeed, you will be deceived. 
Oh! cast not away this only anchor of our safety. I have 
seen its progress. I know the difficulties through which it 
was obtained. I stand in the presence of Almighty God 
and of the world. I declare to you, that if you lose this 
character, never, no never, will you get another! We are 
now, perhaps, arrived at the parting point. Here, even 
here we stand on the brink of fate. Pause! Pause! For 
heaven's sake — pause!* 



Governor Randolph' 's\ Sjjeech on the Federal Constitution* 
Mr. Chairman, 

I am a child of the Revolution. At an early age, and at 
a time when I most wanted it, my country took me under its 
protection, and, by a succession of favours and honours, pre- 
vented even my most ardent wishes. For those favours I 
feel the highest gratitude. My attachment to my country is, 
as it ought to be, unbounded, and her felicity is the most 
fervent prayer of my heart. Conscious of having exerted 
my faculties to the utmost in her behalf, if I have not suc- 
ceeded in securing the esteem of my countrymen, I shall 
derive abundant consolation from the rectitude of my inten- 
sions. Honours, when compared to the satisfaction arising 
from a conscious independence of spirit and rectitude of 
conduct, are as nothing. The unwearied study of my life 
shall be to promote the happiness of America. 

As a citizen, ambition and popularity are, at this time of 
day, no objects with me. I expect, in the course of a year, 

* This impressive appeal evinced a heart warmed with that interest for 
the subject which a good orator makes it his study to feel; and a great 
statesman would be unworthy of his trust, if, on every similar occasion, it is 
not the glory of his ambition to awaken it in his own bosom before he at- 
tempts to infuse its influence into the hearts of his hearers. It was a fa- 
vourite sentiment of some of the most learned of the ancients, that he who 
would start the tears of his audience must first shed some of his own. — Ed, 

f Mr. Edmund Randolph was governor of the state of Virginia in the 
month of June, 178S, at the time the above speech was delivered in the 
Virginia convention. This speech alone is sufficient evidence of his pa- 
U'iolism: his oratorial powers yet stand imperishable in the memory of his 
cotemporaries. His uncle, Peyton Randolph, was the first President of 
Congress, and a descendant of one of the most respectable families in Vir- 
ginia, of which qolony he was Attorney General as early as 1748. — E^. 



las Deliberative Eloquence, 

to retire to that private station which I most sincerely and 
cordially prefer to all others. The security of public jus- 
tice, sir, is what I most fervently wish: as I consider that 
object to be a primary, indeed an indispensable, requisite in 
the attainment of public happiness. I can truly declare to 
the whole world, that, in the part I take in this very important 
question, I am actuated by no other motive than a regard for 
what I conceive to be the best interest of these states. I can 
also, with equal sincerity, declare, that I would join heart and 
hand in rejecting this system, were I not convinced that it will 
promote our happiness: but having a strong conviction on my 
mind at this time, that, by a disunion, we shall throw away 
all those blessings we have so resolutely fought for, and that 
a rejection of the constitution will occasion disunion, I am 
determined to discharge the obligation I owe to my country 
by voting for its adoption. 

Mr. Livingston's Speech in Congress on the bill in favour 

of General Lafayette, Dec. 1824.* 
Mr. Speaker, 

I arise as one of the members of the committee who 
reported the bill, to speak to the merits of it. The delay in 
doing so which has taken place on the part of the committee, 
would not have occurred if it had been thought necessary 
to offer to the house any explanation on the subject. The 
committee, however, thought it would have been only ne- 
cessary to echo the voice which is heard from one end of 
the country to the other. They thought the importance and 
value of the services of General Lafayette had been so gene- 
rally known, that it was unnecessary to report the facts in 
regard to the services of General Lafayette, on which they* 
thought it expedient to recommend the passage oi the bill 
now before the house. They hoped that the proceedings of 
this house, when, by an unanimous vote at the last session, 
they acknowledged the value of those services, would have 
made such a report unnecessary. By that vote Congress 
subjected the country to an expence nearly, if not quite, equal 
to the amount of the proposed appropriation, by agreeing to 
send out a ship of the line to convey General Lafayette to 
this country. The committee did not calculate, after having 
done so, and his declining to put the United States to that 
charge, there would have been any objection to remunerating 

* This gentleman is an eminent counsellor at law, at that time a repre- 
sentative to Congress from the state of Louisiana. 



Deliberative Eloquence. 129 

ral Lafayette, in some degree, for his services and sacrifices 
in the cause of the United States. When more recently the 
Speaker of the house had been directed, by an equally unani- 
mous vote, to present the acknowledgments not only of the 
nation, but of this house, of the important services rendered 
to the country by General Lafayette, the committee would 
not have supposed themselves deficient in their duty if they 
failed to report facts, or a statement of accounts, in regard to 
that distinguished man. Speaking for myself, I considered 
the proposed appropriation not as an affair of account — not 
as the payment of a debt to General Lafayette — but as the 
expression of a national sentiment which would do honour 
not only to this house, but to this people. As an act which 
would, as far as it goes, serve to take away from us the re- 
proach that Republics are ungrateful, I thought it would 
not be doing justice to our constituents if we made this award 
a matter of valuation — an affair of dollars and cents: I thought 
a different mode of treating it most respectful to the house, 
most befiting the dignity of this government. Other gen- 
.tlemen, it appears, entertain different views: perhaps they are 
more correct views. I do not stand here to set up my sentiments 
against those who think the matter ought to have been treated 
in a different way. Some think, and I have no doubt they 
very honestly and sincerely think, that they have no power 
to express the national gratitude in the manner proposed, or 
to vote away public money in any case to which a claim to 
it could not be substantiated on such evidence as would esta- 
blish it in a court of justice. It was not for the want of such 
evidence that the committee did not report it. The evidence 
in their possession was such as would, if duly weighed, sa- 
tisfy the most scrupulous of the justice of giving not only 
the amount proposed by the committee, but even double that 
amount. 

The services of general Lafayette* during the war of the 
revolution were known to and must be acknowledged by every 
one. He came to this country at the commencement of the 
revolution. He continued his personal services until very 
shortly before the termination of that war by the treaty of 

* He espoused the American cause in 1776, arrived at Charleston (S. C.) 
1777, and joined the continental army as a volunteer: he was commissioned 
by congress a major-general, July 1777, and was wounded at the battle 
of Brandy wine. He went to France in the American service 1779, and re- 
turned 1780, with a large reinforcement. In 1781 he commanded in Vir- 
ginia. 

S 



130 Deliberative Eloquence. 

peace. He ceased those personal exertions here only to ren- 
der them in the same cause-, where al the time they were most 
useful. He was indeed very instrumental in bringing about 
that peace so important to us. At that time, yet in prosperi- 
ty, he would have refused any compensation for his services 
and sacrifices, had they even been greater than they were. — 
When oppressed by adversity, after the confiscation of the re- 
mainder of his princely estates, he accepted from the United 
States what he would never before receive — the pay of a ma- 
jor-general, the rank which he held during the war. But, be- 
sides that, he was entitled, upon every principle of strict jus- 
tice, to the half pay of major general for life. Owing to the 
civil mission, which has been already referred to, general La- 
fayette was not in service at the close of the war, and had not 
a legal title to this half pay, but his right to it on every prin- 
ciple of equity could not be questioned. To the representa- 
tivesofanotherdistin^uished officer, (general Hamilton*) simi- 
larly situated, congress granted the amount of half pay which 
would have been due to him, and that without commutation. 
The two cases were nearly parallel. The officers had general- 
ly the option, and almost, if not quite, all availed themselves 
of it, of receiving a commutation in lieu of half pa)^. Gene- 
ral Lafayette had not this option, however, from the circum- 
stance already mentioned, of his absence in Europe at the 
conclusion of the treaty of peace. What would be the amount 
of half pay for more than forty years that have since elaps- 
ed, and the long life which 1 trust this venerable man will 
still live to enjoy? Twenty, added to the forty years already 
expired, would not be deemed an extravagant estimate: these 
sixty years of half pay, without calculating interest, would 
alone amount to something like eighty thousand dollars. — 
Would any gentleman in this hall say that general Lafayette 
was not as well entitled to his half pay as the family of gene- 
ral Hamilton were after his decease? But is this all? No — 
it is not all. It is known as a public historical fact, that Lafay- 
ette, when he came to this country, brought also important 
and very necessary supplies, to a large amount — an immense 
amount, considering that it was the offering of a single indi- 
vidual. What was the cost of those supplies is information 
which chance alone has thrown in our way. Every one knew 

* General Hamilton was one of general Washing-ton's aids in the revolu- 
tionary war. He was born on the island of St. Croix, in the West Indies, 
in the year 1757, and died at New York, 12th July, 1804. He was the first 
secretary of the treasury of the United States, and in the full confidence ef 
V.'ashing-ton. — Ed. 



Deliberative Eloquence. 131 

that it was great; but a mere fortuitous circumstance led a gen- 
tleman, lately in Paris, to inquire into what had been the pecu- 
niary sacrifices of Lafayette in the cause of the United Siates, 
during the revolution, and he obtained a document which shows 
precisely what money Lafayette did expend in our cause at 
that time.* Add this amount to that which is justly due to 
him for half pay for life, and then say whether a fair, honest, 
and equitable settlement of the account between him and the 
United States would not leave us in debt to him, interest in- 
cluded, more than double the amount which the committee 
have reported in his favour. Here then, Sir, is an account of 
dollars and cents, since gentlemen desire it — here is some- 
thing; to satisfy the most scrupulous. When you offer to gene- 
ral Lafayette these two hundred thousand dollars you do not 
pay the debt — you do not pay what you justly owe him. 
I am very much afraid, Sir, that in going through this detail 
I may wound the delicacy of the gentleman concerned; for I 
am persuaded that no circumstances would have induced him 
to bring forward as a debt what he gave to us. Half of his 
princely estates he freely spent in our service without any 
other recompense than the secret satisfaction of aiding the 
cause of liberty, to which he, from his cradle, had devoted 
himself. 

I will not press upon the house arguments drawn from the 
feelings of the people of the United States on this subject — 
those feelings are well known; and, from what I know of the 
temper of this house, and of the feelings of the gentlemen 
who compose it, there is not one of them who will not regret 
that any consideration of what he believes to be his duty will 
prevent him from giving his assent to this bill. I yet trust, 
however, that the vote on this bill will be unanimous. I hope 
it will be seen, that the whole house is moved by one con- 
sentaneous feeling of obedience to the wishes of our consti- 
tuents — one desire of expressing the sentiment of national 
gratitude which we owe to the nature of the government 
under which we act — one wish to satisfy our own feelings. 
I do not believe there is one gentleman in this house who 
will not excessively regret that any notion of his duty, or 
regard to the disposition of the funds of the country, would 
prevent his giving a vote for this bill. One circumstance 
there is in relation to General Lafayette which, though 
it does not come strictly into account as forming a demand 

* This amount was officially laid before the senate to be upwards of one 
hundred and forty thousand dollars, besides an amount modestly withheld 
bv Lafayette.— Ed. 



132 Deliberative Eloquence. 

upon this government, furnishes an argument which cannot 
but strongly appeal to this house in favour of that distin- 
guished individual.* General Lafayette declared, on that 
occasion, he would not enter into a Irigation with any one 
in regard to the grant which the United States had thought 
proper to make to him: he withdrew the location which he 
had made on a most valuahle land, now worth four hundred 
thousand dollars, and transferred it to land hardly worth a 
dollar an acre. I know an idea hns been held out that the 
remainder of the land granted to the general by congress has 
been sold very well What has been obtained for it I do not 
know, but I can say with certainty, that if any body has ^iven 
one dollar an acre for it they have made a bad bargain. That 
part of it with which I am acquainted I would not have for 
a gift. The lands which the general yet holds are of no 
value, as the expense of raising the levee, t &c. on the bank 
of the river will be greater than the value ol the land after it 
shall have been improved: knowing a ^ood deal of the cir- 
cumstances connected with General Lafayette, and having 
been a member of the committee who reported this bill, I 
have thought proper to state then), and hope what I have 
said will serve to remove whatever doubts existed on the 
minds of gentlemen on this subject. 



•Abstract from Mr. Mcrcer's% Speech. 

The United States granted to General Lafayette, in part as 
his legal bounty, and in part as a manifestation of their esteem, 
eleven thousand five hundred and forty acres of land, to be 
chosen out of any of the public lands of the United States. 
He chose, for the location of a part of it, to use a term bor- 
rowed from our laws, an ungranted territory ', which nearly- 
environed the city of Orleans. A large part of this location 
has since become the heart of the city. In the midst of it 

* This circumstance was the location of a large section of country granted 
to the general at the close of the war, on which New Orleans now stands, 
and which, on account of a disputed title, he never got, because he would 
not litigate with the United States to recover it. — Ed. 

■j- So much is said in a subsequent speech of Mr. Mercer's, on these resolu- 
tions, that it is unnecessary to comment further than to inform the reader the 
word levee is a local phrase peculiar to Orleans, and means embankment. — 
Ed. 

\ This gentleman was educated to the profession of the law, and a repre- 
sentative of congress from the state of Virginia. 'I he masterly manner of 
his address, and the comprehensive view he takes of the subject under de- 
bate, sufficiently indicates his superiority as an orator. As a gentleman of 
engaging manners, and a statesman, he is deservedly popular. — Ed, 



Deliberative Eloquence, 133 

stands the custom bouse; it is the theatre of extensive trade, 
and covered with numerous and splendid edifices. The title 
of General Lafayette to this land, under our own grant, was 
indisputable. Some years after he had appropriated it to his 
use, the corporation of New Orleans petitioned congress to 
grant to them the portion of the public territory within a 
distance of six hundred yards around their city; and the na- 
tional legislature, unapprised of the claims of the prior occu- 
pant, conceded what they asked. Of the superior title of 
General Lafayette to the land covered by this subsi quent 
grant there could be no doubt. Why he did not prosecute 
and maintain his claim to this estate, so honourably and justly- 
acquired, has been already fully stated to the house. This 
donation had been made him without his knowledge, in the 
fulness of our hearts, touched as they were with a knowledge 
of his wants, as a token of our sympathy, esteem and grati- 
tude: and he felt that it did not become him to question the 
precise extent of such a grant. The value of the land which 
he so magnanimously relinquished has doubtless not been 
overrated at four hundred thousand dollars. Can there re- 
main a question, then, but that the equitable claims of Gene- 
ral Lafayette upon the United States, were he disposed to 
substantiate them, would exceed a million of dollars? 

As to Lafayette's services to our cause — the cause of free- 
dom in Europe and America — their value is immeasurable. 
There is not a man who now treads, or may hereafter tread 
our soil or breathe our air with the elastic spirit of liberty, 
who does not, or will not owe him an inestimable debt; a 
debt to be felt, not to be computed. I defy the united power 
of Euclid* and Archimidest to calculate or measure the 
height and depth, and the length and breadth of the obliga- 
tion of America to her benefactor. It is here (laying his 
hand upon his heart. J It belongs to the soul, and no guage 
can graduate it. Are gentlemen alarmed at what is called 
the example, the precedent, we are about to offer to our suc- 
cessors? I have laboured with all the powers of memory to 
recal to my mind an example of disinterested and heroic 
benevolence which can form a conduct parallel to the con- 
duct of Lafayette, and if the history of the past affords none, 
why need we not trust the future? The only spirit of 
prophecy which is not of Divine Inspiration, exists in the 
analogy which infers the future from the past. But what is 

* Euclid — an eminent mathematician — died about 280 B. C. aged 74. 
V Archimides — do. the inventor of the sphere — died at Syracuse, 208 B. C, 



134 Deliberative Eloquence. 

the character of the example from which this unfounded ap- 
prehension arises? Was it not to our fathers — is it not to 
us — and will it not be to our posterity invaluable? Need we 
go back to the Crusades* to demonstrate the influence, the 
contagion of chivalrous enthusiasm? No sooner was the con- 
secrated banner of Peter the hermit unfurled for the recovery 
of the Redeemer's sepulchre from the infidel Saracen, than 
one spark of inspiration electrified all Europe; one common 
soul pervaded all Christendom, and poured her armed nations 
on the plains of Asia. 

Contrast the heroism of that age with the solitary self de- 
votion of Lafayette. When I look back to the early period 
of our independence and behold our own unrecognized mi- 
nisters in France.! with a tenderness which does them im- 
mortal honour, remonstrating with the young enthusiast on 
the hazard and hopelessness of his projected enterprize in 
our behalf: when I hear them, in a tone of generous remon- 
strance, tell him that our cause was sinking, and they had 
not even a vessel to offer him for his perilous voyage, and 
hear him reply, "" I have, then, no time to lose," I cannot, 
turning from this scene to thaubefore me, bring myself to 
believe that gentlemen who differ from the obvious majori- 
ty of this house, need to rest three nights upon their pillow 
before they can arrive at unanimity upon this bill. 1 cannot 
but believe, Sir, that w T hen we come to the vote, we shall 
do it with one heart, and that we are now as well prepared 
as we shall be on Monday next. We have now met our 
opponents in the spirit of friendly explanation: we have com- 
plied with their wishes — stated — recapitulated: and I fervent- 
ly trust they are ready to act with us for the honour of our 
common country. 

•Abstract of Mr. Storr's\ Speech on the same subject. 

Sir, 

Let us remember that the eyes of Europe are at this mo- 
ment upon us. Her monarchs — her people — are anxiously 
waiting to see how we shall act. The despots of the old 

* Crusades were the Holy Wars, a name given to the expeditions against 
the Heathens. — Ed. 

f Silas Deane and Doctor B. Franklin were successively sent to France 
as agents of the United States to that government for aid, in vindicating 
the American claims to Freedom and Independence. It was to them that 
Lafayette made known his wish to embark in the American cause. 

t This gentleman is an eminent counsellor at law: then a representative 
from the state of New York.—JEcf. 



Deliberative Eloquence. 135 

world are anxious to know whether, after inviting Lafayette 
to our shores — after offering to send a national ship to bring 
him over — after welcoming him from city to city, we are 
about to send him back, and subject him to the sneers of 
royalty, and with him, to expose ourselves and the cause of 
free government to their reproaches. The question we are 
called to decide, is, whether America, for whom he shed his 
blood, devoted his fortune, and dedicated his talents and his 
virtues, is about to send back her benefactor, in the face of 
Europe, to be the object of their scorn, and leave the record 
of our proceedings as a monument of the feelings of the Ame- 
rican people. 

The question before us, is, whether we will support the 
principles of our own government in our conduct towards 
one who has been considered on both continents as the great 
apostle of liberty, and justly so considered; for, next to the 
great Apostle of the Gentiles* himself, has this man served 
the best interests of mankind. Next in value to those which 
the one disseminated, are the blessings which the other has 
laboured to spread among the nations of the world. The 
question is, whether his services are worth a memorial? This, 
it is true, is not needed for his character: as has been well 
said on a public occasion, history has already taken charge 
of his fame; but, as was justly observed by the presiding 
officer of this house, General Lafayette now stands among 
posterity, and our act this day is to be the judgment of pos- 
terity on his merits and his fame. Are we here, then, to re- 
cord our value for civil liberty and all the blessings it be- 
stows, or is it that we may send one of the greatest benefac- 
tors her cause has ever known, back to his country as a wit- 
ness of the ingratitude of republics? But I said I would not 
speak of his services, nor will I. Whoever has known or 
read of our history can be no stranger to what he has done 
for us. It is to be known to-day what we think to be due, 
at least, to our character as a nation. 

Abstract of Patrick Henry' } s Speech in the Virginia Con- 
vention on the expediency of adopting the Federal Con- 
stitution. June, 177S.t 

Mr. Chairman, 

The public mind has been greatly alarmed, and my own 

* Paul of Tarsus — commonly called in the New Testament St. Paul, who 
wrote many letters to the Gentile and other nations. — Ed. 
f This was a new and untried system of government, the discussion of 



136 Deliberative Eloquence. 

mind, I confess, exceedingly agitated, by this proposition for 
a change in our government. 

Give me leave to say, Sir, that I am one of those who de- 
sire to be made thoroughly acquainted vvith the causes of our 
being reduced to this perilous and perplexing situation, and 
■who wish to know why we are brought hither to decide on 
this momentous and extraordinary national question. The 
servant of the people of this commonwealth, I consider my- 
self as a centinel over their rights, liberty and happiness; 
and I faithfully represent their feelings when I tell this con- 
vention that they are extremely disturbed at being reduced 
from that full stale of security which they lately enjoyed to 
the present uncertain and delusive appearance of things. But 
a year 3go the minds of our citizens were at perfect repose. 
Before the meeting of the late federal convention at Phila- 
delphia, a general contentedness, an universal tranquillity, pre- 
vailed all over this country; but ever since that period they 
have been exceedingly uneasy and disquieted. 

When I wished for an appointment to this convention, it 
was because I was struck with consternation at the aspect of 
our national affairs, and conceived the republic to be in im- 
minent danger, from this fatal system — this proposal to change 
our government. And for what? I expected to have heard 
some substantial grounds laid down — to be furnished with 
some plausible reasons, at least, for an innovation so impor- 
tant, so unexpected, and, in my mind, and in the opinion of 
many other persons, so very extraordinary. Is our civil po- 
lity in danger? Has public justice been attempted to be sap- 
ped? Has the existence of the republic been menaced — or 
has this measure been preceded by a mournful train of cala- 
mitous events? Make the best of this new government — 
prove that it is the offspring of the greatest human wisdom — 
the work of any thing short of inspiration — still, I say, you 
ought to be extremely cautious, watchful, jealous of your 
liberty, since, instead of securing your rights, it is more than 
probable, you will, if you adopt it, lose them forever: make 
but a wrong step on this occasion and your republic is gone. 

which occupied the talents of the most enlightened statesmen Virginia then 
could boast of; and it is creditable to that great state, that she never has 
been since undeserving of the bright example of true eloquence which 
Patrick Henry taught her. When she had Patrick Henry in her councils 
it must be admitted she was second to no state in the union in point of de- 
liberative eloquence — she is believed to be equal to any now in forensic. — Ed. 



Deliberative Eloquence. 137 

Sir — Before this convention ventures to assert, or to ratify 
this new constitution, it ought to have before it an historical 
detail of the facts which preceded the session of the federal 
convention, and of the reasons which actuated its members 
in proposing such an entire alteration of our government: the 
dangers that await us from the present confederation, if any 
there be, ought to be plainly and unequivocally demonstrated 
to us. If they be really of such awful magnitude as to war- 
rant a proposal so extremely perilous as this, I affirm that 
this convention has a right to a thorough discovery of every 
circumstance relative to that important concern. I am, sir, 
firmly convinced in my mind, that those worthy characters 
who composed a part of the late federal convention, were 
impressed with a sincere persuasion of the necessity of form- 
ing A GREAT CONSOLIDATED GOVERNMENT 
INSTEAD OF A CONFEDERATION. That this, be- 
fore us, is a consolidated government, must be clear to every 
man of common sense, and the danger of such a government 
is to my mind very striking. I have the highest veneration 
possible for these gentlemen, but I must nevertheless, take 
the freedom to ask, what right had they to say, we the people? 
my political curiosity sir, exclusive of my anxious solicitude 
for the public welfare, induces me to put the question with 
more than ordinary earnestness, who authorized them to 
speak such language as, we the people, instead of we the 
states; states are the characteristics and the soul of the con- 
federation. If the states be not the agents of this compact, 
it must be one great consolidated national government of the 
people of all the states. 

I must repeat to you that I entertained the highest respect 
for the gentlemen who formed the constitution, and were not, 
some of them now present, I would express some stronger 
testimonial of my esteem for them. America on a former 
occasion placed the highest confidence in them, and that con- 
fidence was not misplaced. I declare sir, that for my own 
part, I would give up any thing to them; I would confide in 
them as my representatives: but sir, on this occasion I would 
demand the cause of their conduct: even from that illustrious 
man* who saved us by his valour, I would desire a reason 
for his conduct. That very liberty which he has given us 
by his valour, tells me to ask that reason; and certain I am, 
that if he were here he would give it;" but there are othef^ 
gentlemen here who have it in their power to give us this 

"' George Washington. 
T 



138 Deliberative Eloquence, 

information. The people gave them no power to use their 
name. In making use of it therefore, and in saying " we the 
people" they have greatly exceeded their power. I am not 
actuated by mere curiosity, but wish to hear the real actual 
existing danger which can authorize us in having recourse 
to a measure so extremely dangerous. Here sir, amongst us 
no danger, no insurrection, no tumult has occurred: every 
thing has been calm and tranquil. But notwithstanding that, 
we are pushing forward and wandering on the great ocean of 
human affairs. I see no land mark to guide us. We are run- 
ning we know not whither. Difference of opinion has in 
several parts of the country gone to a length of inflammatory 
resentment without precedent, and all occasioned by this 
perilous innovation. The federal convention ought to have 
amended the old system; it was for that sole purpose they 
were delegated: the object of their mission extended to no 
other consideration. You must therefore forgive the solici- 
tation of one unworthy member, to be informed what danger 
can have arisen under the present confederation, and what 
are the causes of this proposal to change our government? 

Mr. Chairman, 

I am much obliged to the very worthy gentleman* for his 
encomium, and wish that I was possessed of talents, or indeed 
of any thing that would enable me to elucidate this great sub- 
ject. I must confess sir, that I am not free from suspicions. 
It is my disposition to entertain doubts on those subjects, and 
I rose yesterday to ask a question which naturally enough as 
I think, suggested itself to my mind on the occasion. When 
I asked that question, it appeared to me that the tendency of 
it was sufficiently obvious. The fate of this question and of 
America may depend on this; have they who formed this 
new constitution, said we the states; if they had said so, this 
would be a confederation; but as they have not, it is clearly 
a consolidated government. The question turns sir, on that 
poor little thing the expression, we the people, instead of 
we the states of America. As to the system itself sir, I need 
not take much pains to show that its principles are extremely 
pernicious, impolitic, and dangerous. Is it a monarchy like 
the government of England, a compact between prince and 
people, with checks on the former to secure the liberty of the 
latter? Is it a confederacy like Holland, an association of a 
number of independent states, each of which retains its in* 

* Mr. Lee of Westmoreland count*. 



Deliberative Eloquence* 139 

dividual sovereignty? Assuredly, it is not a democracy 
wherein the people retain all their rights securely. Had 
these principles been adhered to, we should not have been 
brought to this alarming transition, from a confederacy to a 
consolidated government. Here is an attempt to effect a 
revolution as radical as that which has separated us from 
Great Britain. It is as radical, if in this transition our rights 
and privileges are endangered, and the rights of the states be 
relinquished; all of which, it is plain to see, is in reality the 
case. The rights of conscience, trial by jury, liberty of the 
press, all your immunities and franchises, all pretensions to 
human rights and human privileges are rendered insecure, if 
they are not entirely lost by this innovation which we have 
heard so highly extolled, talked of so loudly by some, and 
so inconsiderately boasted of by others. Is this tame relin- 
quishment of our rights worthy of freemen? Is it worthy of 
the manly fortitude that ought to characterise republicans- 
It is said that eight states have adopted it, I would, I declare, 
(if twelve and a half states had adopted it,) in spite of an 
erring world, reject it.* 

In forming a government, the utmost care should be taken 
to prevent its becoming oppressive;! and this that is now 
offered to us, is of so intricate and complicated a nature that 
no man on this earth can be certain of its real operation. The 
other states have no reason from the antecedent conduct of 
Virginia, to suspect that she has any intention of seceding 
from the Union, or of being less active to support the gene- 
ral welfare. Why not then agree to our taking time to pon- 
der on the subject — to deliberate whether the measure may 
not be perilous, — perilous not only for us, but even for the 
states that have adopted it. Sir it is well worth consideration 
that a great majority of the people even in the adopting states 
are averse to this government: and I am sure I should not be 
wrong in saying that those who are not averse to it, have 
been egregiously misled. Pennsylvania has perhaps been 

* There were then but thirteen states, all of which soon after this, came 
into the confederacy : one or two however, manifested much reluctance 
at first, but afterwards joined the union, and yet adhere to it with an in- 
creasing attachment.— E. 

f The prudence of this distinguished orator is no where more manifest, 
and was no where more necessary than upon this occasion; the vital in- 
terests of a free people were about to be embarked upon a dangerous 
ocean, the wave of human passions, without the precaution of sufficient 
balance to steady, or the aid of experience to guide their course; in such a 
state we can actribute their arrival to a safe port, not to human wisdom, 
but to the interposing providence that directed their way. — E. 



140 Deliberative Eloquence, 

tricked into it. If the other states who have adopted it have 
not been tricked, still they have been too much hurried into 
its adoption. There were very respectable minorities in seve- 
ral of them; and if reports are true, a clear majority of the 
people are averse to it. It certainly has not the affection of 
the people all over the states at present. Should it, as I think 
it will, turn out to be oppressive, their affection will be totally 
estranged from it; and you well know sir, that a government 
without the affection of the people governed, can neither be 
durable or happy.* I speak as one poor individual, but then 
I speak the language of thousands, — let me be perfectly un- 
derstood however — I mean not to breathe the spirit, nor to 
utter the language of secession. I have trespassed so long 
on your patience, that I lament my having yet something 
further to advance on this subject. The honourable gentle- 
man has said that we shall be properly represented. Re- 
member sir, that the number of our representatives is but 
ten, of which six is of course a majority, will those men be 
possessed of sufficient information? A particular knowledge 
of particular districts will not suffice. They ought to be well 
acquainted with agriculture, commerce, and a great variety 
of other matters throughout the continent. They ought to 
know not only the actual state of nations in Europe and 
America; the situation of their farmers, cottagers, and me- 
chanics, but also the relative situation and intercourse of 
those nations. Virginia is as large as England, our proportion 
of representatives is but ten men; and in England they have 
five hundred and eighty. The British house of commons, 
numerous as the members are of which it is composed, is 
said to be corrupted. We are told that individuals in it have 
been bribed, and have bartered away the rights of their con- 
stituents. What then shall become of us? • Will the few re- 
presentatives allowed to us by this new constitution, protect 
our rights? Will they be incorruptible? You say they will 
be better men than the English commoners; I say they will be 
infinitely worse men, because they are to be chosen blind- 
folded. Their election (a very inaccurate term as applied 
to their appointment) will be an involuntary nomination, and 
not a choice. I fear that I have fatigued the committee, 
YET I HAVE NOT SAID THE ONE HUNDRED 
THOUSANDTH PART OF WHAT I HAVE ON MY 
MIND AND WISH TO IMPART. On this occasion I 

* This sentiment is indisputabty true; for in the absence of an affection- 
ate love of countr}', there is no patriotism, and this, in its genuine ac- 
ceptation is the surcfasthohl of the American government. — B. 



Deliberative Eloquence, 141 

conceived myself bound to attend strictly to the safety of the 
state, because I thought her dearest interests at hazard. 
Having lived so long, and been so much honoured, my efforts 
though feeble are due to my country. I have found my mind 
hurried on from subject to subject on this very great occasion. 
We have been all out of order from the outset, from the 
gentleman who opened to day to myself. I did not come 
prepared to speak on so multifarious a subject in so general 
a manner. I trust you will indulge me another time. Before 
you abandon the present system, I trust you will duly con- 
sider, not the defects of it alone, but those of the plan which 
you are called upon to substitute in its place. May you be 
fully apprised of the dangers of the latter; not by fatal expe- 
rience, but by some abler advocate than I am. 



ABSTRACT OF 

Fisher Ames* Speech on Mr. Maddisorts Resolutions* 27th 
January , 1794. 

Mr. Chairman, 

The question lies within this compass — is there any mea- 
sure proper to be adopted by congress, which will have the 
effect to put our trade and navigation on a better footing? If 
there is, it is our undoubted right to adopt it; if by right, is 
understood the power of self government, which every inde- 
pendent nation possesses, and our own as completely as anv 
other; it is our duty also, for we are the depository and 
guardians of the interests of our constituents, which on every 
consideration ought to be dear to us. I make no doubt they 
are so, and that there is a disposition sufficiently ardent ex- 
isting in this body, to cooperate in any measures for the ad- 
vancement of the common good. Indeed so far as I can 
judge from any knowledge I have of human nature, or of 
the prevailing spirit of public transactions, that sort of pa- 
triotism which makes us wish the general prosperity, when 
our private interest does not happen to stand in the way, is 

* The purport of these resolutions were to promote the commercial in- 
terest of the country, by imposing certain restrictions upon foreign ves- 
sels and foreign goods, and liquidating the losses sustained by American 
citizens in contravening the oppressive laws of other nations. Of Mr. 
Ames it is said by the reporter of the speech, it is unnecessary to say any 
thing in this place: *? his fame is every where," — E. 



142 Deliberative Eloquence, 

no uncommon sentiment. In truth it is very like self love, 
and not much less prevalent. There is little occasion to ex- 
cite and inflame it. It is, like self love, more apt to want in- 
telligence than zeal; the danger is always, that it will rush 
blindly into embarrassments, which a prudent spirit of in- 
quiry might have prevented, but from which it will scarcely 
find means to extricate us. While therefore, the right, the 
duty, and the inclination to advance the trade and navigation 
of the United States, are acknowledged and felt by us all, 
the choice of the proper means to that end, is a matter re- 
quiring the most circumspect inquiry, and the most dis- 
passionate judgment. After a debate has continued a long 
time, the subject very frequently becomes tiresome before it 
is exhausted. Arguments, however solid, urged by different 
speakers, can scarcely fail to render the discussion both com- 
plex and diffusive. Without pretending to give to my argu- 
ments any other merit, I shall aim at simplicity. We hear 
it declared that the design of the resolutions is to place our 
trade and navigation on a better footing. By better footing, 
we are to understand a more profitable footing. Profit is a 
plain word that cannot be misunderstood. We have to speak 
in round numbers, twenty million dollars of exports annually. 
To have the trade of exports on a good footing, means nothing 
more than to sell them dear; and consequently the trade of 
import on a good footing, is to buy cheap. To put them 
both on a better footing, is to sell dearer and buy cheaper 
than we do at present. If the effect of the resolutions will be 
to cause our exports to be sold cheaper, and our imports to 
be bought dearer, our trade will suffer an injury. It is hard 
to compute how great the injury would prove; for the first 
loss of value in the buying dear and selling cheap, is only the 
symptom and beginning of the evil, but by no means the 
measure of it; it will withdraw a great part of the nourish- 
ment that now supplies the wonderful growth of our industry 
and opulence. The difference may not amount to a great 
proportion of the price of the articles, but it may reach the 
greater part of the profit of the producer; it may have effects 
in this way, which will be of the worst kind, by discouraging 
the products of our land and industry. It is to this test I 
propose to bring the resolutions on the table; and if it shall 
clearly appear that they tend to cause our exports to be sold 
cheaper, and our imports to be bought dearer, they cannot 
escape condemnation. Whatever specious show of advantage 
may be given them, they deserve to be called aggravations 



Deliberative Eloquence. 143 

of any real or supposed evils in our commercial system, and 
not remedies. 

I have framed this statement of the question so as to com- 
prehend the whole subject of debate, and at the same time I 
confess it was my design to exclude from consideration a 
number of topics which appear to me totally irrelative to it. 
The best answer we have heard to many assertions, is to ad- 
mit them without proof. We are exhorted to assert our 
natural rights, to put trade on a respectable footing, to dictate 
terms of trade to other nations, to engage in a contest of self 
denial, and by that, and by shifting our commerce from one 
country to another, to make our enemies feel the extent of 
our power. This language, as it respects the proper subject 
of discussion, means nothing, or what is worse. If our trade 
is already on a profitable footing, it is on a respectable one. 
Unless war be our object, it is useless to inquire what are 
the dispositions of any government with whose subjects our 
merchants deal to the best advantage. While they will smoke 
our tobacco and eat our provisions, it is very immaterial both 
to the consumer and the producer, what are the politics of 
the two countries, excepting so far as their quarrels may dis- 
turb the benefits of their mutual intercourse. So far, there- 
fore, as commerce is concerned, the inquiry is, have we a 
good market? The good or bad state of our actual market is 
the question. The actual market is every where more or less 
a restricted one, and the natural order of things is displaced 
by the artificial. Most nations, for reasons of which they 
alone are the rightful judges, have regulated and restricted 
their intercourse according to their views of safety and profit. 
We claim for ourselves the same right as the acts in our 
statute book, and the resolutions on the table evince, without 
holding ourselves accountable to any other nation whatever. 
The right which we properly claim, and which we properly 
exercise, when we do it prudently and usefully for our na- 
tion, is as well established, and has been longer in use in the 
countries of which we complain than in our own. If their 
right is as good as that of congress to regulate and restrict, 
why do we talk of a strenuous exertion of our force, and by 
dictating terms to nations who are fancied to be physically 
dependant on America, to change the policy of nations? It 
may be very true that their policy is very wise and good for 
themselves, but not as favourable for us as we could make it, 
if we could legislate for both sides of the Atlantic. The ex- 
travagant despotism of this language accords very ill with 
dur power to give it effect, or with the affectation of zeal fov 



144 Deliberative Eloquence* 

an unlimited freedom of commerce. Such a state of absolute 
freedom of commerce never did exist, and it is very much to 
be doubted whether it ever will. Were I invested with the 
trust to legislate for mankind, it is very probable the first act 
of my authority would be to throw all the restrictive and 
prohibitory laws of trade into the fire; the resolutions on the 
table would not be spared. But if I were to do so, it is pro- 
bable I should have a quarrel on my hands with every civil- 
ized nation. The Dutch would claim the monopoly of the 
spice trade, for which their ancestors passed their whole lives 
in warfare. The Spaniards and Portuguese would be no less 
obstinate. If we calculate what colony monopolies have cost 
in wealth, in suffering, and in crimes, we will say they were 
dearly purchased. The English would plead for their navi- 
gation act, not as a source of gain, but as an essential means 
of securing their independence. So many interests would be 
disturbed, and so many lost by a violent change from the ex- 
isting, to an unknown order of things; and the mutual rela- 
tions of nations in respect to their power and wealth, would 
suffer such a shock, that the idea must be allowed to be per- 
fectly Utopian* and wild. But for this country to form the 
project of changing the policy of nations, and to begin the 
abolition of restrictions by restrictions of its own, is equally 
ridiculous and inconsistent. Let every nation that is really 
disposed to extend the liberty of commerce, beware of rash 
and hasty schemes of prohibition. In the affairs of trade, as 
in most others, we make too many laws; we follow experience 
too little, and the visions of theorists a great deal too much. 
Instead of listening to discourses on what the market ought 
to be, and what the schemes which always promise much on 
paper pretend to make it, let us see what is the actual market 
for our exports and imports; this will bring vague assertions 
and sanguine opinions to the test of experience. That rage 
for theory and system which would entangle even practical 
truth in the web of the brain, is the poison of public discus- 
sion. One fact is better than two systems. The terms on 
which our exports are received in the British market, have 
been accurately examined by a gentleman from South Caro- 
lina. Before his statement of facts was made to the commit- 
tee, it was urged, and with no little warmth, that the system 
of England indicated her inveteracy towards this country, 
while that of France, springing from disinterested affection, 
constituted a claim for gratitude and self-denying measures 

• Utopian, imaginary, fancied, without reality. — E 



Deliberative Eloquence. 145 

or retribution. Since that statement, however, that romantic 
style which is so ill adapted to the subject, has been changed. 
We hear it insinuated that the comparison of the footing 
of our exports in the markets of France and England is of 
no importance; that it is chiefly our object to see how we 
may assist and extend our commerce. This evasion of the 
force of the statement, or rather this indirect admission of its 
authority establishes it. It will not be pretended that it has 
been shaken during the debate. It has been made to appear 
beyond contradiction, that the British market for our exports 
taken in the aggregate is a good one; that it is better than 
the French, and better than any we have, and for many of 
our products the only one. The whole amount of our ex- 
ports to the British dominions in the year ending the 30th 
September, 1790, was nine millions, two hundred and forty- 
six thousand, six hundred and six dollars. But it will be 
more simple and satisfactory to confine the inquiry to the 
articles following: bread stuff, tobacco, rice, wood, the pro- 
duce of the fisheries, fish oil, pot and pearl ash, salted meats, 
indigo, live animals, flax seed, naval stores and iron. The 
amount of which articles, exported in that same year to the 
British dominions, was eight millions, four hundred and fifty 
seven thousand, one hundred and seventy "three dollars. We 
have heard so much of restriction, of inimical and jealous 
prohibitions to cramp our trade, it is natural to scrutinize 
the British system with the expectation of finding little be- 
sides the effects of her selfish and angry policy. Yet of the 
great sum of nearly eight millions and an half, the amount 
of the products before mentioned, sold in her markets, two 
articles only are dutied by way of restriction: bread stuff is 
dutied so high in the market of Great Britain, as in times of 
plenty to exclude it, and this is done from the desire to fa- 
vour her own farmers. The mover of the resolution justified 
the exclusion of our bread stuff from the French West Indies 
by their permanent regulations, because he said they were 
bound to prefer their own products to those even of the 
United States. It would seem that the same apology would 
do for England in her home market. But what will do for 
the vindication of one nation, becomes invective against an- 
other. 

Mr. Chairman, 

You have heard that the market of France is the great 
centre of our interests; we are to look to her, and not to En- 
gland, for advantages, being, as the stvle of theorv is our 

U 



146 Deliberative Eloquence. 

best customer and best friend, showing to our trade parti- 
cular favour and privilege; while England manifests in her 
system such narrow and selfish views. It is strange to remark 
such a pointed refutation of assertions and opinions by facts. 
The amount sent to France herself is very trivial. Either 
our merchants are ignorant of the best markets, or those 
which they prefer are the best; and if the English markets, 
in spite of the alleged ill usage, are still preferred to the 
French, it is a proof of the superior advantages of the former 
over the latter. The arguments I have adverted to, oblige 
those who urge them to make a greater difference in favour 
of the English than the true state of facts will warrant. In- 
deed, if they persist in their arguments, they are bound to 
deny their own conclusions. They are bound to admit this 
position: if France receives little of such of our products as 
Great Britain takes on terms of privilege and favour, because 
of that favour, it allows the value of that favoured footing. 
If France takes little of our articles, because she does not 
want them, it shows the absurdity of looking to her as the 
best customer. 

It may be said, and truly, that Great Britain regards only 
her own interest in those arrangementsj so much the better. 
If it is her interest to afford to our commerce more encour- 
agement than France gives; if she does this, when she is 
inveterate against us, as it is alleged, and when we are in- 
dulging an avowed hatred towards her, and partiality towards 
France, it shows that we have very solid ground to rely on. 
Her interest is, according to the statement, stronger than our 
passions, stronger than her own, and is the more to be de- 
pended on, as it cannot be put to any more trying experiment 
in future. The good will and friendship of nations are hollow 
foundations to build our systems upon. Mutual interest is a 
bottom of rock: the fervour of transient sentiments, is not 
better than straw or stubble. Some gentlemen have lamented 
this distrust of any relation between nations, except an inter- 
ested one; but the substitution of any other principle could 
produce little else than the hypocrisy of sentiment, and an 
instability of affairs. It would be relying on what is not sta- 
ble, instead of what is, it would introduce into politics the 
jargon of romance. It is in this sense, and this only, that the 
word favour is used: a state of things, so arranged as to pro- 
duce our profit and advantage, though intended by Great 
Britain merely for her own. The disposition of a nation is 
immaterial; the fact, that we profit by their system, cannot 
be so to this discussion 



Deliberative Eloquence. 147 

The next point is, to consider, whether our imports are on 
a good footing, or, in other words whether we are in a situa- 
tion to buy what we have occasion for at a cheap rate. In 
this view, the systems of the commercial nations are not to 
be complained of, as all are desirous of selling the products 
of their labour. Great Britain is not censured in this respect* 
The objection is rather of the opposite kind, that we buy too 
cheap, and therefore consume too much; and that we take 
not only as much as we can pay for, but to the extent of our 
credit also. There is less freedom of importation, however, 
from the West Indies. In this respect, France is more re- 
strictive than England; for the former allows the exportation 
to us of only rum and molasses, while England admits that 
of sugar, coffee, and other principal West India products. 
Yet, even here, when the preference seems to be decidedly 
due to the British system, occasion is taken to extol that of 
the French. We are told that they sell us the chief part of 
the molasses, which is consumed, or manufactured into rum; 
and that a great and truly important branch, the distillery, is 
kept up by their liberality in furnishing the raw material, 
There is at every step matter to confirm the remark, that 
nations have framed their regulations to suit their own inter- 
ests, not ours. France is a great brandy manufacturer; she 
will not admit rum, therefore, even from her own islands, 
because it would supplant the consumption of brandy. The 
molasses was, for that reason, some years ago of no value in 
her islands, and was not even saved in casks. But the de- 
mand from our country soon raised its value. The policy of 
England has been equally selfish. The molasses is distilled 
in her islands, because she has no manufacture of brandy to 
suffer by its sale. 

In open war, we shall certainly be brought into danger if 
not into ruin; it depends therefore according to their own 
reasoning, on Great Britain herself, whether she will persist 
in a struggle which will disgrace and weaken her; or turn it 
into a war which will throw the shame and ruin upon her 
antagonist. The topics which furnish arguments to show the 
danger to our peace from the resolutions, are too fruitful to 
be exhausted. But without pursuing them further, the expe- 
rience of mankind has shown that commercial rivalships, 
which spring from mutual efForts for monopoly, have kindled 
more wars and wasted the earth, more than the spirit of con- 
quest. 

I hope we shall show by our vote, that we deem it better 



148 Deliberative Eloquence, 

policy to feed nations than to starve them, and that we shall 
never be so unwise as to put our customers into a situation 
to be forced to make every exertion to do without us. By 
cherishing the arts of peace we shall acquire, and we are ac- 
tually the strength and resources for a war. Instead of seek- 
ing treaties, we ought to shun them: for the later they shall 
be formed the better will be the terms; we shall have more 
to give and more to withold. We have not yet taken our 
proper rank, nor acquired that consideration which will not 
be refused us if we persist in prudent and pacific counsels, if 
we give time for our strength to mature itself. Though Ame- 
rica is rising with a giants strength, its bones are yet but 
cartilages. By delaying the beginning of a conflict we insure 
the victory. 



ABSTRACT FROM 

The Speech of David P. Brown, 
Before the Abolition Society of Pennsylvania, 1822.* 

Never since the emancipation of the United States from 
the arbitrary influence of foreign dominion: never since that 
great era, when our illustrious forefathers threw off the gall- 
ing yoke of qualified servitude; and arrayed in native majesty, 
proclaimed to the world " All men are equally free, and in- 
dependent," has there been a period so portentous to the 
interests of these states and to the rights of man, as that 
which approaches with the approaching session of congress. 

No one, it must be agreed, who has the slightest regard 
for the welfare of his country, can reflect with indifference 
or composure upon the anticipated renewal of the late oppo- 
sition to unrestricted Missouri. Not that I conceive it to be 
essentially connected with the destinies of the Union— Not 

* John West the father of Benjamin West, who was the most eminent 
historic painter of the last century, was the benevolent founder of the abo- 
lition Society of Pennsylvania: he emigrated ta Pennsylvania in the year 
1718, and soon after married Sarah Pearson, who then owned a negro 
slave; the conscientious manumission of whom, by her husband, not only 
gave rise to the custom of manumitting thousands, who were before that 
period held in bondage, but through his powerful influence over the rules 
of the society of Quakers of which he was a conspicuous member, it was 
resolved that no member of that society should thereafter continue his 
membership, whilst he held a servant in bondage ; from that day to the 
present, this valuable appendage to the society's rules has remained unal°* 
tered.—R 



Deliberative Eloquence. 149 

that I concur in the hideous apprehensions which appear to 
be entertained of the perilous hereafter, — not that I dread 
the torch of discord being once more lighted, and the for- 
tunes of the republic again set adrift — not that I tremble at 
the horrible but fanciful spectres which have been conjured 
up to our view, of civil wars, of bloodshed and desolation; 
for my part I have no such fears as these. My ideas of the 
magnitude and portentous aspect of this question, its course 
and character — its cause and consequence derive their exist- 
ence from a widely different source — a source I hope not less 
rational and patriotic — a source I am sure not less plausible 
and sincere. No one, in my mind, can contemplate this mo- 
mentous inquiry with indifference or composure, because it 
involves those principles in its consideration and decision, 
which are intertwined, if not identified with the nearest and 
the dearest sympathies of the human heart, principles without 
which life is a burthen and the world a xvaste: 

" For what is life? 
? Tis not to stalk about, and draw fresh air 
From time to time, or gaze upon the sun: 
Tw to be free. When liberty is gone, 
Life grows insipid and has lost its relish. 

Thus considered, all that is generous, all that is just, all 
that is virtuous, all that is estimable depends upon this issue. 
The pride and honour of our ancestry.* The applause and 
salvation of posterity — in short, every subject that can exalt 
or debase, that can dignify or destroy, clings to this import- 
ant question, with claims too strong to be resisted, and too 
just to be denied: for never until the flickering meteor light 
exhaled from prejudice or passion shall be mistaken for the 
steady and meridian lustre of reason and truth, never until 
experience shall cease to instruct — never until man's Divi- 
nest attribute, his intellect, shall be degraded beneath the level 
of brutish instinct or perverted to a most frightful and un- 
natural obliquity, can this flagrant violation of human rights 
be tolerated in the eye of religion, of morality, or national po- 
licy. 

* In the European governments, there is a pride of ancestry which de- 
scends from father to son as an hereditary estate, very often, unearned 
and unmerited: this patrimony, is not congenial with the principles of the 
American government, and has been therefore expressly excluded from 
the articles of our constitution: the road to honor and to fame is always 
open to persevering integrity and judicious enterprise, without regard to 
obscurity of parentage, or the dignity of our forefathers. — K. 



1 50 Deliberative Eloquence, 



Speech of Logan to Lord Dunmore, Governor of Virginia, 

1774.* 

I appeal to any white man to say if he ever entered Lo- 
gan's cabin hungryf and he gave him no meat: if he ever 
came cold and naked, and he clothed him not. During the 
course of the last long and bloody war, Logan remained idle 
in his cabin, an advocate for peace. Such was my love for the 
whites, that my countrymen as they passed said, •* Logan is 
the friend of the white men." I had even thought to have lived 
with you, but for the injuries of one man. Colonel Cr— p 
the last spring in cold blood and unprovoked, murdered all 
the relations of Logan, not even sparing my women and chil- 
dren. There runs not a drop of my blood in the veins of any 
living creature. This, called on me for revenge. I have 
sought it: I have killed many: I have fully glutted my ven- 
geance: for my country I rejoice at the beams of peace. But 
do not harbour a thought that mine is the joy of fear. Logan 
never felt fear. He will not turn on his heel to save his life. 
Who is there to mourn for Logan? Not one. 

* Logan was a Mingo Indian chief. Previous to the American revolution, 
the American colonists had frequent expeditions against the Indians, who 
often committed depradations upon their inclosures and dwellings; this 
speech was delivered when Lord Dunmore headed an expedition against 
the Shawnee Towns, pending a negotiation for peace, in which Logan was 
denied the privilege of participating: it is said, " no translation can give 
: x u adequate idea of the original," the manner in which it was spoken 
must have been with a feeling heart, and then the gesture is generally 
natural, graceful and commanding. 

It is a lamentable fact, that many noble minded Indians, such as Logan, 
have suffered death in cold blood for the rash acts of their imprudent chil- 
dren, or their cruel warriors: to prevent a recurrence of such disgraceful 
conduct, every youth should be taught to avoid rash judgment, and regard 
the counsel of the sage.— E, 

I See Matthew, 25, 35. 



FVLFIT ELOQUENCE. 

ABSTRACT FROM 

Bishop Dehon's* Sermons " on the Scriptures "j 

That so many writers, in so many distant ages, many or 
them without any knowledge of each other, should have 
written divers books, every one connected with the rest, and 
all tending with wonderful combination, to introduce, unfold 
and establish, one grand supernatural system of religious 
truth^jYould, were it admitted as true, be a wonder hardly 
surpassed by the atheist's formation of a world by the fortui- 
tous concurrence of storms. Though many hands be discern- 
ible in the sacred volume, there is evidently but one mind. 
It is the work of that Being, who by the gradual production 
of six successive days, completed the beautiful fabric and 
furniture of nature* and who by adding revelation to revela- 
tion, according to the counsel of his will, has raised in the 
moral world this stupendous monument of his wisdom and 
mercy. We see one spirit pervading the whole. It is the 
design of one master, accomplished by many servants. Every 
book is perfect as a part: and all together form, if I may be 
allowed the figure, one temple of truth and salvation, into 
which, the mind that enters with sanctified affections, feels 
sensible of the presence of the Deity: its instructions are not 
complicate, but plain and explicit, adapted to every capacity. 
They are not arbitrary, but grounded upon the eternal dis- 

* Rev. Theodore Dehon was bom in Boston, December 8th, 1776, and 
was, says his biographer, " in early life remarked for his personal beauty, 
the index in his case, of a celestial disposition," his childhood was remark- 
able for docility and the love of learning: and his prevailing wish from his 
earliest youth was to become a minister of the gospel. In the common 
amusements of youth he took but little delight, for he devoted his leisure 
Lours to reading: he was minister of Trinity Church, Newport. In 1809, 
be was appointed to the rectorship of St. Michael's Church, Charleston, 
South Carolina; in 1812 he was unanimously chosen bishop of South Caro- 
lina. He died, 6th August, 1817, most lamented by that part of the chris- 
tian world where he was best known. — E. 

f The preacher's view of the inspiration of the Scriptures in this sketch, 
is solid, rational, argumentative and conclusive: the proofs he adduces are 
judiciously arranged and eloquently expressed; they are a valuable ac- 
quisition to the fund of pulpit eloquence. — E 



152 Pulpit Eloquence. 

tinction of things, and commend themselves to reason as soon 
as they are understood. They are not grievous in the prac- 
tice of them: for they are made easy to the obedient heart, by 
the spirit which ever accompanies them, and are productive 
of internal satisfaction and peace. They cannot mislead us, 
nor need any addition to their authority or certainty, for 
they come from God. 



ABSTRACT FROM 

Bishop Dehorfs Sermon on Regeneration. 

We are told you know, that we must be born again in or- 
der to the knowledge and enjoyment of the kingdom of God. 
It is through the instrumentality of the scriptures that this 
regeneration is accomplished. They are the seed of this new 
birth. God's spirit always accompanies them; as his institu- 
tion, they are effectual in the heart of every one who reads 
them with the dispositions they require to enlighten his mind 
and reform his heart, to bring him out of darkness into God's 
marvelous light, and to turn him from the power of Satan 
unto God. In Christ Jesus, says St. Paul* to the Corinthi- 
ans, I have begotten you through the Gospel: Of his own 
will, says St. James,f " begat he us by the word of truth, that 
we should be a kind of first fruit of his creation." We are 
born again, saith St. Peter4 not of corruptible seed, but of 
incorruptible, by the word of God which liveth and abideth 
for ever and ever. Our regeneration, like all our blessings, 
is solely and entirely from God; but it is wrought and per- 
fected through the instrumentality of his word. Its precious 
promises and the glorious prospects which it opens, rejoice 
the heart and enable the human pilgrim to pass on his way, 
wet perhaps, with many a shower, and afflicted with the ap- 
prehension of many a danger, but happy in the hope that his 
sins will be forgiven, and that his pilgrimage will terminate 
in a rest from his cares, and an enjoyment of immortal feli- 
city. 

* St. Paul was born at Tarsus, the principal city of Cilicia, and was by 
birth a Jew and a citizen of Rome; his epistles to the several nations to 
whom he wrote, are held in sacred esteem by the Christian world. 

f St. James was called James the just, and was bishop of Jerusalem. 

\ St. Peter, called Simon Peter, was born at Bethsaida a city of Gali- 
lee — E, 



Ihdpit Eloquence. 153 

Sermon on Baptism, 

It is at the entrance of the christian life, when the soul has 
turned to its Creator and is willing to be led by his Son to 
righteousness and peace, that God, if I may so speak, meets 
us with this animating and efficacious ordinance. And in this 
he is seen, the true Father of the returning prodigal* While 
yet he is a great way off, in his rags and poverty, the Fa- 
ther goes to meet him. He brings him to his house, the 
church. He commands his servants, the ministers of his 
church, to bring forth the best robe, the robe of his son's 
righteousness: and by baptism, to put it on his recovered 
child; at the same time they put, as it were, a ring, the signal 
of favour, the token of affection upon his hand, and shoes 
upon his feet, when they have washed them, that he may walk 
pleasantly in the paths of holiness. In the holy eucharist, the 
banquet of reconciliation and gladness is prepared for him, 
and the members of the family, whether militant on earth 
or triumphant in heaven, partake of the Father's joy, that a 
child who was dead is alive again, that one who was lost is 
found. To preserve a lively recollection of me and of my 
sacrifice for the sins of the whole world, ye shall observe this 
ordinance for ever. As often as ye shall eat bread and drink 
wine like these made by consecration in my name, symbols 
of my body and blood, ye do show forth my death in an 
acceptable and effectual manner. Ye do show it forth to my 
Father as the ground of your plea for pardon, grace and 
immortality. Ye do show it forth to me as gratefully im- 
pressed upon your hearts, and as an inducement to me to 
forgive and preserve my church, having redeemed it with 
my blood. Ye do show it forth to the world as the sub- 
ject of your faith, whereof ye are not ashamed, as the only 
ground of your reliance for pardon and immortality, to which 
they also should betake themselves, and through which alone 
they and any of the human race have everlasting life. Ye do 
show it forth to each other as a source and occasion of common 
joy, of mutual consolation and encouragement, of tender amity 
and reciprocal good services. And ye do show it forth to 
your own souls as the purchase of your redemption, as the sure 
foundation of hope and peace, as the sacrifice whereby your 
sins are taken away, and you are restored to the love and fa- 

■ A prodigal, is one who is a spendthrift, or spends his money wastcfullj; 
shere is a beautiful and interesting parable of the prodigal son, in the fif- 
teenth chapter of St. Luke's gospel, which the diligent scholar will not hit 

to learn E. 

X 



154 Pulpit Eloquence. 

vour of God. Do this then all of you in remembrance of me. 
Let it be the great act of Christian worship in all generations. 



From his Sermon on the Sabbath. 

Chaos itself did not exhibit more confusion before the 
Creator converted it to order and beauty, than did the state 
of fallen man before the Redeemer presented a spiritual sys- 
tem, far more wonderful, harmonious, and sublime, than that 
which we admire in the material world. As at the first crea- 
tion, the morning stars sang together, and the sons of God 
shouted for joy, so at the second, the heavenly host exulted 
with reverence, and the inhabitants of the earth were bidden 
~to rejoice! 



ABSTRACT FROM 

Bishop Dehon on the Liturgy.* 

To excite you to join diligently, and with reverence in the 
service of the common prayer, I need only guide your atten- 
tion to the sublime extent of the application of its social cha- 
racter. It is not only in this house in which you assemble 
that in all its parts it is sociably performed; the same prayers 
and praises in the same words are offered, perhaps, at the 
same hour, with the same faith, by ten thousand tongues to 
the same God and Father of all. From all christian parts of 
the globe, the amen resounds which you here utter: and the 
doxology is raised in which you are here called upon to bear a 
part. It is not in this age only in which you live, that this 
service conveys the devotions of christians to heaven. In 
some of the ejaculations it contains, the first disciples breath- 
ed their praises and their wishes to the Most High. Its col- 
lects have, many of them, for many hundreds of years, been 

* The hallowed devotion, which the best properties of this valued rite 
of the Episcopal church affords its votaries has won the affection and com- 
mands the just respect of many christians io every denomination : if it ever 
merits the opprobrious charge of " a formal, lifeless thing," it is when it is 
performed by those unfortunately ordained organs, who are dead to evan- 
gelical piety in all their life and conversation, " whose indifference to re- 
ligion and worldly minded behaviour, proclaim the little regard they pay 
to the doctrines of the Lord who bought them." 



Pulpit Eloquence. 155 

the vehicles of the public devotions of the church. And upon 
some of its apostrophes has the last breath of distinguished 
martyrs trembled, whose piety during their lives was re- 
freshed with its hymns and its psalms. It is not under the 
gospel dispensation alone, that some parts of this service have 
been used to express the common devotions of the faithful. 
There are hymns in it, which was sung by the saints under 
the Mosaic dispensation,* and in the use of psalms particu- 
larly, the church of the New Testament, is found in society 
With the church of the old: for in these sacred compositions, 
not the emotions of David's heart only, were vented, but 
much of the worship of God's ancient people, did consist. It 
is not only the church militant upon earth that the service in 
some of its parts is used; we have borrowed from the church 
triumphant in heaven, their gratulatory anthem and their 
perpetual hymn, and have reason to believe that their voices 
are in concert with ours when they sing the song of the re- 
deemed. How sublime is the view of the communion and 
fellowship of the church under the Mosaic and Christian dis- 
pensations! m different ages and in distant ages on earth, and 
in heaven, in the use of some part or other of that holy litur- 
gy, which it is our distinguishing felicity to have received 
from our fathers! Who would not wish in the temple to bear 
upon his lips those psalms and prayers in which the glorious 
company of the apostles, the goodly fellowship of the pro- 
phets, and the noble army of martyrs have uttered their devo- 
tions to God! How dead must he be to the finest associations 
which can affect the mind who is not animated to a devout 
and fervent performance of his part of the service of the sanc- 
tuary, by the consideration that, upon this same censer which 
the church holds out to him, incense hath been put up by 
those hands which are now extended before the throne of the 
Almighty: and that as its smoke ascends, those eyes were 
lifted up to heaven, which are now fixed upon the visible 
glory of God and the Lamb. 

* Mosaic dispensation is that history of the Holy Bible which Moses the 
divine lawgiver was enabled by the inspiration of God, to relate: by it we 
learn that the world was created in six days, and on the seventh day God 
ended his work, and sanctified that day, as a Sabbath of rest— E. 

f Christian dispensation is that history of the New Testament which 
Jesus Christ (the Saviour of the world) taught by his prophets and apds- 
tles, and preached himself while he was upon earth. — £. 



156 Pulpit Eloquence. 

Same.' — On Public Instruction. 

Preaching has a higher object than the gratification of your 
taste. There are assigned to it more glorious purposes than 
the mere entertainment of your minds. It is its office to pro- 
claim to you the only living and true God, and to make you 
acquainted with his character and laws, that you may believe, 
and believing, may govern your conduct as becometh the 
offspring of such a Being, the subjects of such a King. It is 
its office to raise before you the cross, to show you the sa- 
crifice upon it, which taketh away the sins of the world, and 
to intreat you to take its blood, and sprinkle it upon all your 
raiment, that when the destroying angel shall execute the 
vengeance of the Almighty upon a guilty world, it may be 
to you the token of everlasting preservation. It is its office 
to open for you the oracles of truth: and thence to bring to 
you the true knowledge of the foundation and excellency of 
every virtue; the motive by which it shall be consecrated, 
and the extent to which it should be carried; and thence also 
to bring the probe which shall convict your hearts of sin. It 
5s its office, to go before you into the tomb, with the bright 
torch which it receives from revelation; to disperse the black- 
ness of darkness which hangs over its entrance; to show you 
the place where Jesus lay; to wipe away the tears which are 
falling upon the mouldering relics, and when the blood 
throbs at the heart amidst the horrors of the scene, to restore 
it to its sober, equal flow, by reminding you that Jesus is 
risen, and that this awful dominion with its awful king shall 
be finally overturned. It is its office to draw aside the veil 
which conceals from view the eternal world: to show you 
hell and all its torments, and beseech you to escape them, to 
show you heaven and all its glories, and intreat you to enter, 



ABSTRACT FROM 

The Rev. Mr. Gallaudefs Sermon.* 

I pretend not to shorten the line of those who venture to 
fathom those deep and awful subjects. " Let every man be 
persuaded in his own mind." But to those whose eye can 
measure but a little way the boundless ocean of God's pro- 

* The Rev. Thomas H. Gallaudet, principal of the Connecticut Asylum, 
Hartford, for the education of deaf and dumb. — E. 



Pulpit Eloquence. XS7 

vidence, and who, sensible of the darkness of their minds, ex- 
claim with the apostle, " O the depth and riches, both of the 
wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his 
judgments and his ways, past finding out" — to such one, plain 
declaration of scripture is more satisfactory than all the spe- 
culations of human reason. From God's word they learn that 
he will be glorified by the punishment of transgressors, and 
by those very events which are brought to pass, by means of 
their disobedience, and that this very disobedience and pun- 
ishment, however, were foreseen by him from eternitv; nay, 
that he permits them to exist, and sustains in being the very 
agency of man by which thev are produced; yet in such a 
way as to preserve his own holiness and justice unblemished, 
and to render the sinner guilty and inexcusable; with this the 
believer is satisfied; he knows that the judge of all the earth 
will do right, and he adopts the submissive language of our 
Saviour: "Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in thv 
sight."* 

Of the nature of God's will as an attribute of his divine 
mind, we know nothing. How far it rese t bles our own, and 
how immensely it differs from it, we must be for ever igno- 
rant. " Canst thou by searching find out God? Canst thou 
find out the Almighty to perfection? It is high as heaven, what 
canst thou do? deeper than hell, what canst thou know." This 
should lead us to be very humble and modest in all our spe- 
culations concerning God's sovereign will and pleasure: how 
he truly purposes every event that takes place, and yet in such 
a way as to leave man's free agency and accountability en- 
tirely unimpaired. We should rest satisfied with the plain 
and express declarations of Scripture on this subject, and 
make them the ground of our faith and confidence in God, 
without venturing to attempt its explanation by our own rea- 
son, " Secret things belong unto the Lord our God: but those 
things which are revealed, belong unto us, and to our chil- 
dren for ever: that we may do all the words of his law." 

Unbelief can discover no traces of a divine influence in its 
own mind — but surely this is a very unsatisfactory argument 
to prove that it has not affected the minds of others; shall 
the sickly invalid who has from his very birth laboured un- 
der the constant pressure of lassitude and disease be justified 

* This eloquent divine is peculiarly happy in fortifying the doctrinal sen- 
timents he advances, with a readiness of Scripture quotation that super- 
sedes the need of argument to enforce their claims, or other oratory to 
snake them engaging. — E. 



15 8 Pulpit Eloquence. 

in concluding that no one feels the benign influence of health 
because he has never been conscious of it? Strong and une- 
quivocal is the testimony of thousands whose clearness of 
apprehension, sobriety of judgment, and veracity of assertion 
in all other cases are never called in question — that they dis- 
cover within themselves a wonderful transformation of tem- 
per and conduct which manifest itself to be the effect of a 
divine influence by marks the most distinct and certain. Now 
surely it is neither the part of candour, nor good sense, to 
deny the reality of that which is attested by the most re- 
spectable witnesses. But infidelity is not satisfied with this 
reply to its objection; it starts another difficulty more subtle 
and ingenious. Every one, it says, even the advocate for a 
divine influence who is careful to turn his view inward, and 
examine attentively what passes within his own mind, will 
discover there nothing but his own thoughts, emotions, and 
purposes. He will soon find that these succeed each other in 
a certain order, that one, as it were, grows out of some other 
preceding it, that all are under the guidance of his will, though 
subject, in a certain sense, to that principle of association 
which is one of the fundamental laws of the human mind.* 



ABSTRACT FROM 

The Rev. Mr. Kollock's Sermon^ preached from these Words: 
" And ye fathers provoke not your children unto wrath." 

A wise discipline is essential to a Christian education; in 
vain will you hope to lead your children in the ways of piety, 
if you do not begin while they are yet young to exercise over 
them a strict but affectionate discipline; if you do not teach 
them from the very cradle, that instead of acting according 

* These lawshave been thus enumerated: " J perception, 2 consciousness, 
3 understanding, 4 judgment, 5 memory, 6 reason, 7 conscience, 8 feeling, 9 
volition, 10 agency," but the sound logician may use half the terms to bet- 
ter advantage. — E. 

| Mr. Kollock was an eminent minister of the gospel, of the Presbyte- 
rian church, who died at Savannah, in Georgia; he was born in the state 
of New Jersey, 1778, and for some time filled the theological chair in the 
Princeton college; at the request of his congregation, the Rev. George 
Dashiell, of the Episcopal church, preached his funeral sermon, iu which 
ample justice was done both to the subject, and the many virtues of his 
deceased friend. — E. 



Pulpit Eloquence, 159 

to their own wayward fancies, they are to be regulated by 
the will of God, and their parents. Give the reins to their 
inclinations, suffer them to act as they please, let them have 
no other restraint than their own wishes and desires, and they 
are in the direct road to misery, to vice, and to perdition; 
they will perhaps live to curse that weak fondness which 
strengthened vicious habits, and plunged them into guilt, to 
execrate those criminal compliances which has laid the foun- 
dation of their unhappiness by cherishing furious passions, 
and incapacitating them to bear with disappointment — govern 
them with a firm and steady hand; begin to bend the twig 
while it is yet flexible; in a few years it will become a sturdy 
oak, and resist all your efforts; the vicious propensities of 
children, the fruit of their original corruption, are early to be 
discerned. 

On their first appearance endeavour to extirpate them, and 
exercise your authority to prevent the formation of criminal 
habits. Keep a watch over their tongue; do not, like so many 
injudicious parents, encourage lying, or ill nature, by smiling 
at a false or malignant expression, if it have some degree of 
smartness; do not nourish their pride by excessive commend- 
ation and flattery, by loading them with pageantry and gor- 
geous ornaments; do not cultivate their revenge by teaching 
them to direct their feeble, yet malicious strokes, against the 
persons or things that have injured them; do not inspire a 
relentless and tyrannical disposition by permitting them to 
torture various species of animals; do not encourage a world- 
ly spirit by continually proposing the riches or honors of earth 
as the recompense which they may expect for their goodness, 
while the favour of God is scarcely ever mentioned as an ob- 
ject worthy to be aspired after. Finally, study carefully the 
tempers of your children, and diversify your discipline ac- 
cording to the diversity of their tempers; let it be more mild 
or rigorous according as the gentleness or stubborness of their 
disposition requires; one or the other of these modes of treat* 
ment should be observed to win their obedience. 



ABSTRACT FROM 

The Rev. Mr. Kolloctfs Sermon on the Life of Adam, 

Christians, why should we tremble at death; it is con- 
vened into a friend, and it came first to visit the favourite. 



160 l J ulpit Eloquence. 

of heaven. Believers, let the bleeding body of Abel teach 
you not to expect your happiness below; you are members 
of that church whose symbol is the cross — you are follow- 
ers of that Saviour who was a man of sorrows — you are 
tending to that world where those who have washed their 
robes, and made them white in the blood of the lamb, have 
come out of great tribulation; persecution you will meet with; 
be careful, that like Abel, religion be your only crime; per- 
secutors of the cause, or children of God, whether by open 
violence, by secret insinuations, by reproaches, or by scoffs, 
behold in Cain your archetype; his mark is fixed upon your 
forehead, his disposition rankles in your hearts. To the ques- 
tion which the Lord proposes to the murderer, Where is 
Abel thy brother? Cain, hardened by sin, replies with impie- 
ty, with insolence, and falsehood. But in vain is the attempt 
to deceive the Omniscient, and foolish is the expectation of 
impunity with the holy God for those sins of which we have 
not repented. 

Wo then, I repeat it, to those who are resting in security, 
because they have been agitated and alarmed at the view of 
their sins, and of the punishment which awaited them. How 
different are these exercises from those of real believers. 
They regard principally the guilt of their sin and not the 
weight of that misery which will follow them. While Cain 
cries my punishment, not my guilt is greater than lean bear, 
Pharaoh exclaims, " Remove this plague" not this hard heart- 
edness * from me," the penitent David cries " my sin" not 
thy vengeance ,fc is ever before me:" the returning prodigal 
says " I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight;" not I 
have been starving in a distant land. Real penitence drives 
*he soul to God: these slavish terrors cause it to flee frcm him. 
Peter's hearers, when truly alarmed, turn to the Redeemer; 
Cain seeks, by employing himself in earthly occupations, to 
lose these painful impressions. 



Doctor Kollock upon Christian Education. 

In a christian education, it is necessary for parents to il- 
lustrate their precepts by personal examples. Example has at 
all times an astonishing influence upon us; but in our early 
years, when we have no fixed habits, when we are incapable 
of discerning the intrinsic property of actions, we are formed 



Pulpit Eloquence. 161 

almost entirely by imitation. This is our preceptor before we 
can reason; nay, before we can speak. If your own practice 
be inconsistent with religion, the remonstrances of conscience 
will prevent you from faithfully reproving in your children 
those vices of which you are guilty, and a wish to palliate 
your own corruptions will hinder you from advising them 
with impartiality. And even if this effect be not produced, 
even if your reproofs be faithful, and your advices impartial, 
yet while your conduct contradicts them, you induce your 
offspring to question the sincerity of your assertions, or to 
doubt of the possibility of complying with your directions; 
you lead them to suppose that religion consists not in a steady 
and uniform practice of its duties, but in frequently convers- 
ing of its doctrines and obligations. 



Bishop Dehon on the miseries of life. 

I invite you then to the sepulchre , which is ever in the gar- 
den of life, that you may in the first place, perceive and re- 
member, that it is there. Heedless are most men of death! 
The young, the gay and the busy, with what light and care- 
less feet do they move among the pleasures of the earth, re- 
gardless of the gruve which is under them, and the dangers 
with which they are surrounded. How many stumble upon 
the sepulchre before they have discovered it in the path. 
Our eyes are willingly turned from it, for we have not learned 
to look upon it without pain. We plant a thousand objects 
which hide it from our sight. We twine the flowers of hope, 
and we bend the vines of pleasure, to conceal it from our 
view; it is in the garden, but men perceive it not.* 



The Profession of the Ministry. 

An evangelical, learned, and eloquent divine, is one of 
the firmest auxiliaries, and the " brightest ornaments of his 

* This is a most affecting appeal to youth, as well as to the aged; to be 
wise in time, and dwell often upon the solemnities of the tomb. It is 
awfully feared, too many in the language of the orator, are " heedless of 
the preacher's warning," until their heads have blossomed for the grave 
or decrepitude itself has dcstroved their taste for the pleasures of the 
world,— E. 

Y 



Ij52 Pulpit Eloquence* 

country." In his associations with his people, he will always 
avoid that parade of superiority which undignifies his order 
and limits his usefulness; that he may enlist the affections of 
his charge, by the steady exercise of that unaffected evidence 
of true piety which always enlarges it. " To those who dif- 
fer from him in religious opinions, he shows firmness of prin- 
ciple, without asperity of conduct; as he is himself ever mild, 
gentle, and tolerant, he will with meekness and charity avoid 
giving offence to any. Fie warms the hearts of his audience 
by the devout exercise of his piety, whilst he informs their 
understandings, fixes their faith, and exhorts them to holiness 
of life, by a judicious and imposing selection of the most 
apposite truths. To the indigent and deserving, he is an 
unchanging friend: in their poverty and want, his hand is 
always open to their relief; if oppressed by their superiors, 
his counsel is their protection, his prayers are their safety: if 
cast down under the depressing weight of their laborious and 
humble stations, his exhortations are effectual to alleviate 
their cares, and reconcile them to their state and condition. 
THE STUDENT OF DIVINITY will derive an incal- 
culable benefit from an early attention to the belles lettres, and 
the science of rhetoric; the ancient fathers in their proper 
course of study,will all largely contribute to that fund of useful 
knowledge he should acquire before he ventures to teach. But 
there is no volume so valuable, for there is none so full of solid 
instruction as the Bible. Profane history, as it is termed, may 
be used as an appendix, never as a concordance to this holy 
treasure; let him make this the repository of his faith, the 
guide of his actions, and the main source of his instructive 
theology. He will be careful to compare one passage with 
another until he perfectly learns, and is properly conversant 
with the gracious system which connects the whole. " Let 
him carry on his researches with a prayerful heart, a pious, 
humble, tractable, and impartial spirit; guarding against pre- 
conceived opinions hastily adopted, the prejudices of habit 
or the expected patronage of his friends. If he is made 
sensible God is his friend, and his blessed Son the Saviour 
of man his teacher, " he will not only in due time direct others 
aright, but will himself follow the path of truth whitherso- 
ever it may lead him." — E, 



FORENSIC ELOQUENCE 

Speech of Mr. Early* on behalf of the prosecution.^ 

Mr. President, 

There is nothing more demonstrative of the efficacy of the 
principles of our government, than the present prosecution. 
We are now called upon to test the correctness of those prin- 
ciples. A highly important officer of the government is 
brought before the bar of this court, charged with having 
committed acts of the deepest die. An officer who has been 
entrusted by his country to administer to the people a portion 
of the justice on this side of the grave, stands charged with 
disregarding the sacred obligations of the constitution, and 
of staining the pure ermin of justice by political party spirit. 
The transactions for which the respondent is now to answer, 
have passed in review before the people. To this honourable 
court, the people through the medium of their representatives 
have applied for a vindication of their rights, and dragged 
the guilty here to receive punishment. The first article of 
impeachment exhibited by the house of representatives, 
charges the respondent with a conduct that strikes at the? 
rootof one of the most important privileges of a free people, 
I mean the right of trial by jury. This right was one of the 
most valuable privileges which we acquired by the revolu- 
tionary war,i and forms one of the safe guards of the federal 
constitution. 

The relative rights of judges and juries, Mr. President, 
in criminal cases, were little known in the dark ages of su- 
perstition; it was reserved for the spirit of modern times, to 
allow to the jury that inestimable right of deciding the law 
as well as the fact, in criminal cases. This right has been so 
long practised, that it would be reasonable to expect that we 
should not witness any difference, of opinion on the subject, 
especially in capital cases. It is not my intention to deny the 

* An eminent counsellor at law, then a member of congress from the 
state of Georgia. 

f This speech was delivered on the trial of the honourable justice Chase, 
on an impeachment for high crimes and misdemeanors in office. 

| The Revolutionary war was the first war of the republic, it was de- 
clared 1776, and ended 1783. 



164 Forensic Eloquence. 

right of judges to deliver their opinion on the law to the 
jury, but it is the most delicate power which they possess, 
and ought to be exercised with caution. By the constitution 
of the United States,* the accused is to enjoy the right of a 
trial by an impartial jury. We charge the defendant with 
having deprived John Friesf of the right of having his case 
determined by an impartial jury. For the respondent did 
deliver an extra-judicial opinion, and made certain declara- 
tions to influence the minds of the jury against the case of 
Fries. This opinion, and these declarations would be more 
regarded by them, as being the acts of a judge who was well 
informed of the defence of Fries, which depended upon prin- 
ciples of law, and upon those laws which had been denounced 
by the respondent, before any argument was heard, and when 
he knew that the defence of Fries rested solely on those laws. 
But sir, we must look a little farther into this transaction. It 
was not enough that Fries should have his chief defence 
snatched from him. It was not enough that a solemn opinion 
was given before counsel were heard, but, as if determined 
to close every avenue of defence, the respondent prohibited 
the counsel from arguing the law to the jury. This fact is 
established in such a manner as to force conviction to the 
mind of every man. 

We have the positive testimony of Mr. Lewis,^: and of Mr, 
Dallas. On the other side, there is the negative testimony 
of Mr. Rawle. This honourable court well know that the 
testimony of one affirmative witness swearing to a fact, is 
more regarded in law than the testimony of many negative 
witnesses, and we must forcibly feel the consonancy of this 
rule, with common sense. But we will not rest the case here. 
It appears by the evidence of all the witnesses, that almost 
every observation of the counsel for Fries, was predicated 
on the idea that their privileges were to be restricted. Mr. 
Rawle himself stated, that all the observations of Mr. Lewis 
were bottomed on that idea, although Mr. Rawle conceived 
the idea to be a mistaken one. But the recollection of Mr. 

* Art. 3d, section 3d, of the Constitution. 

f John Fries was one of the men who resisted the national law imposing 
a direct tax upon whiskey, and as was usually termed one of the whiskey 
boys. 

\ Mr. Lewis was a distinguished orator of the Philadelphia bar, who 
died August 1319, aged 68, who was subpoenaed a witness on this trial with 
Mr. Rawle, another aged and distinguished counsellor of the same bar, 
now living.— E. 



Forensic Eloquence. 165 

Rawle must be very imperfect as to the transactions of the 
first day.* He was busily employed in performing his offi- 
cial duties and took no notes of the proceedings, nay, so im- 
perfect was his recollection, that he did not remember 
whether Fries was that day in court or not. But is it not 
remarkable, that all those observations of the counsel which 
were predicated on the idea that they were to be deprived 
of arguing the law to the jury, should have been suffered to 
pass unnoticed by the court, if they had not intended that 
the counsel should be deprived of this right? Those observa- 
tions would not have been suffered to pass unnoticed, had 
they been unfounded. 

Mr. President, 

We have it in testimony from Mr. Lewis and Mr. Tilgh- 
man,f that on the second day the respondent told the counsel 
that they might argue the law to the jury, but it would be at 
the hazard of their characters. But sir, in page 12 of the 
answer of the respondent, he admits that certain observations 
were made on the first day to restrict the counsel, and yet 
none of those observations were recollected by Mr. Rawle, 
which plainly evinces his inattention to the transactions of the 
first day. I. consider myself then safe in the position, that the 
counsel for Fries were restricted from arguing the law. 

The crime with which Fries stood charged, was the great- 
est possible offence, and he ought to have been shown every 
possible indulgence. Not only should every argument which 
the ingenuity of counsel could have devised, have been heard, 
but the judge ought to have been counsel for the accused. 
It should never be forgotten, that judge Chase had a pre- 
vious example before his eyes, and of a very recent date, set 
by a judge who is now departed from this transitory world, 
to the land of spirits. In the first trial of Fries, judge Ire- 
dell set an example which judge Chase ought to have fol- 
lowed; but disregarding all precedents, and setting at naught 
all examples, the respondent first determines the law, and 
then prohibits the counsel from arguing it to the jury: Of 
what avail is the right of the accused to be heard by counsel, 

* This is an unwarrantable privilege, counsel sometimes use to shake 
the consistency of evidence, but it is never justifiable when a witness of 
such superior claims to verauity and esteem is subpoenaed to testify. — E. 

f Edward Tilghman, esquire, then a distinguished counsellor of the Phi- 
ladelphia bar, who died in the 65th year of his age, in January, 1816, 
This gentleman was also subpoenaed as a witness. — E> 



166 Forensic Eloquence, 

when his counsel are prohibited from arguing the law on 
which his defence entirely rests? Of what avail is it, that the 
jury are invested with the right of deciding the law as well 
as the fact, if they are to be prohibited from hearing argu- 
ments as to the law: The right of the jury to decide the 
law in criminal cases, is as much acknowledged as their right 
to decide on the facts, and the court have as much power to 
abridge their rights in one case, as in the other; and the ac- 
cused has as much right to be heard by counsel on the law 
as he has on the facts. But here we are assailed by the re- 
spondent, in his answer, with a train of reasoning which it 
may be proper to answer in part. He informs the court, that 
the law with regard to treason, had been fixed by his pre- 
decessors, and he was not at liberty to depart from those 
principles which had been settled by them. It is not our 
intention to inquire whether the opinions of his predecessors 
were correct, and whether he was bound by them. The 
inquiry is, whether the respondent was justifiable in prejudg- 
ing the case, and prohibiting the counsel for the accused from 
arguing the law to the jury. Some part or the reasoning of 
the respondent, is an aggravation of his offence. He says 
that it is important that the jury should not be misled by the 
counsel, and it was a favour conferred on them to prevent 
improper arguments being made to them. This reasoning 
will apply to every criminal case whatever. In case of mur- 
der and theft, the court might consider it a favour to prevent 
counsel from arguing to the jury, lest improper impressions 
should be made on their minds. Is this the amount of the 
boasted trial by jury, that they who possess the right to de- 
cide both law and fact, should be guarded against improper 
impressions, and should receive no information on the sub- 
ject they are about to determine? We are told by the re- 
spondent, that on the second day the counsel were permitted 
to proceed with the defence in their own way, but they de- 
clined. 

What language can describe the conduct of a judge who 
attempts to destroy the respect which the people entertain 
for the acts of both the state and general government? It 
was not sufficient that a person sitting in the judgment seat 
of the nation, converted it into a forum* to pronounce phi- 
lippics against the state in which he sat as judge; but the 
congress of the United States must be held up to view as the 
sacrilegious violators of the constitution of their country, 

* A forum was a public place where the Romans usually assembled 
when an oration was to be delivered for the information of the people. — E. 



Forensic Eloquence. 167 

Mr. President, I have done, and in conclusion, will observe, 
that in my opinion, we have established against the respon- 
dent, a volume of guilt, every page of which calls aloud for 
vengeance. I shall leave the cause of the respondent in hands 
where there will be a different measure of justice than he is 
wont to mete to others, and where it will be administered 
without respect to persons. 



ABSTRACT OF 

Mr. Uopkinson's* Speech in defence of Justice Chase. 

Mr. President, 

We cannot remind you and this honourable court, as our 
opponents have so frequently done, that we address you in 
behalf of the majesty of the people. We appear for an an- 
cient and infirm man whose better days have been worn out 
in the service of that country which now degrades him, and 
who has nothing to promise you for an honourable acquittal, 
but the approbation of your own consciences: we are happy, 
however, to concur with the honourable managers in one 
point; I mean the importance they are disposed to give to 
this cause. In every relation and aspect in which it can be 
viewed, it is indeed of infinite importance. It is important 
to the respondent, to the full amount of his good name and 
reputation, and of that little portion of happiness the small 
residue of his life may afford. It is important to you, sena- 
tors and judges, inasmuch as you value the judgment which 
posterity shall pass upon the proceedings of this day; it is 
important to our country as she estimates her character, for 
sound, dignified and impartial justice, in the eyes of a judg- 
ing world. The little busy vortex that plays immediately 
round the scene of action, considers this proceeding merely 
as the trial of judge Chase, and gazes upon him as the only 
person interested in the result. This is a false and imperfect 
view of the case — it is not the trial of judge Chase alone — it 
is a trial between him and his country; and that country is 
as dearly interested as the judge can be, in a fair and impar- 
tial investigation of the case, and in a just and honest de- 
cision of it. There is yet another dread tribunal to which 

* Joseph Hopkinson, esquire, an eminent counsellor of the Philadelphia 
bar, a native of that city, and a justly distinguished orator: he is now abouv 
V'ty-five years of age. — E. 



168 Forensic Eloquence. 

we should not be inattentive — we should look to it with so- 
lemn impressions of respect — it is posterity — the race of men 
that will come after us — when all the false glare and false 
importance of the times shall pass away — when things shall 
settle down into a state of placid tranquillity, and lose that 
.bustling motion which deceives with false appearances — 
when you, most honourable senators, who sit here to judge, 
as well as the respondent who sits to be judged, shall alike 
rest in the silence of the tomb; then comes the faithful, the 
scrutinizing historian,* who without fear or favour will re- 
cord the transaction; then comes the just, the impartial pos- 
terity, who without regard to persons or to dignities, will 
decide upon your decision — then, I trust, the high honour 
and integrity of this court, will stand recorded in the pure 
language of deserved praise, and this day will be remember- 
ed in the annals of our land, as honourable to the respondent, 
to his judges, and to the justice of our country. 

We have heard sir, from the honourable managers who 
have addressed you, many harsh expressions. I hope sir, they 
will do no harm: we have been told of the respondent's u?i- 
holy sins,j which even the heavenly expiation of sincere re- 
pentance cannot wash away; we have been told of his volumes 
of guilt, every page of which calls loudly for punishment. 
This sort of language but pursues the same spirit of asperity 
and reproach, which was begun in the replication to our an- 
swer. But we come here, sir, not to complain of any thing; 
we come expecting to bear and to forbear much. It does in- 
deed seem to me, that the replication 61ed by the honourable 
manager on behalf of the house of representatives and all the 
people, carries with it more acrimony than either the occa- 
sion or their dignity demanded. It may be said they have 
resorted for it to English precedent, and framed it from the 
replication filed in the celebrated case of Warren Hastings.^ 
There is, however, no similarity between that case and ours. 
Precedents might have been found, more mild in their char- 
acter, and more adapted to the circumstances of our case. 

Historian — this sentiment is happily illustrative of the view the future 
historian of this transaction will in all human probability take, when he 
undertakes to record this important trial — E. 

f Unholy sins: this is an impressive sentiment, and ingeniously calcu- 
lated to rest emphatically upon every ear who heard the speaker. — E. 

| Warren Hastings was governor-general of the East India British pos- 
sessions, who was shamefully prosecuted, and underwent a trial for suppos- 
ed misdemeanors in his office, which lasted seven years and three months; 
he was acquitted 1795, with only six dissenting voices of all the peers of 
England.— E, 



Forensic Eloquence, 169 

The impeachment of Hastings was not instituted on a petty 
catalogue of frivolous occurrences, more calculated to excite 
ridicule than apprehension, but for the alleged murder of 
princes, and plunder of empires. If, however, the choice of 
this case, as a precedent for our pleadings, has exposed us to 
some unpleasant expressions, it also furnishes to us abundance 
of consolation and hope. There the most splendid talents 
that ever adorned the British nation were strained to their 
utmost exertion, to crush the devoted victim of malignant 
persecution — but in vain — the stern integrity, the enlighten- 
ed perception, the immoveable justice of his judges, stood as 
a barrier between him and destruction, and safely protected 
him from the fury of the storm. So, I trust in God, it will 
be with us. 

In England the impeachment of a judge is a rare occur- 
rence; I recollect but two in half a century: but in our coun- 
try, boasting of its superior purity and virtue, and declaiming 
ever against the vices, venality, and corruption of the old 
world,* seven judges have been prosecuted, criminally, in 
about two years — a melancholy proof, either of extreme and 
unequalled corruption in our judiciary, or of strange and 
persecuting times among us. 

The first proper object of our inquiry in this case, is to 
ascertain with proper precision what acts or offences of a 
public officer are the legal objects of impeachment. This 
question meets us at the very threshold of the case. If it 
shall appear that the charges exhibited in these articles of 
impeachment are not, even if true, the constitutional subjects 
of impeachment, if it shall turn out, on the investigation, 
that the judge has really fallen into error, mistake, or indis- 
cretion, yet if he stands acquitted in proof of any such, as by 
the law of the land are impeachable offences, he stands en- 
titled to his discharge or his trial. This proceeding by im- 
peachment is a mode of trial created and defined by the con- 
stitution of our country;! and by this the court is conclusively 
bound. To the constitution then we must exclusively look to 
discover what is, or is not impeachable. We shall there find 
the whole proceeding distinctly marked out, and every thing 
designated and properly distributed, necessary in the con- 
struction of a court of criminal jurisdiction — we shall find — 
1. Who shall originate or present an impeachment — 2. Who 

* The old world, this term is often used as another name for Great 
Britain.— E. 

| Constitution U. S. Article 3d, sec. 1, the judges shall hold their office 
during good behaviour.— E. 

z 



170 Forensic Eloquence. 

shall try it — 3. For what offences it may be used — 4. What 
is the punishment on conviction. — The first of these points 
is provided for in the 2nd section of the 1st article of the 
constitution, where it is declared, that " the house of repre- 
sentatives shall have the sole power of impeachment." This 
power corresponds with that of a grand jury, to find a pre- 
sentment or indictment. In the third section of the same 
article, the court is provided, before whom the impeachment 
thus originated, shall be tried — U The senate shall have the 
sole power to try all impeachments." And the fourth section 
of the second article points out and describes the offences 
intended to be impeachable, and the punishment which is to 
follow conviction, subject to a limitation in the third section 
of the first article. 

Have any facts then been given in evidence against the 
respondent, which makes him liable to be proceeded against 
by this high process of impeachment? What are the offences? 
What is the constitutional description of those official acts 
for which a public officer may be arraigned before this high 
court. In the 4th section of the 2nd article of the constitu- 
tion, it is declared, that " the president, vice-president, and 
all civil officers of the United States, shall be removed from 
office on impeachment for, and conviction of treason, bribery, 
or other high crimes and misdemeanors." Treason or bribery 
is not alleged against us on this occasion; our offences must 
not come under the general description of u high crimes and 
misdemeanors," or we are not impeachable by the constitu- 
tion of the United States. I offer it as a position, I shall 
rely upon in my argument, that no judge can be impeached 
and removed from office for any act or offence for which he 
could not be indicted: It must be by law an indictable of- 
fence. One of the gentlemen indeed, who conducts this pro- 
secution, contends for the reverse of this proposition, and 
holds that for such official acts as are the subject of impeach- 
ment,* no indictment will lie or can be maintained; for, says 
he, it would involve us in this monstrous oppression and ab- 
surdity, that a man might be twice punished for the same 
offence; once by impeachment, and then by indictmentf — and 
so most surely he may; and the limitation of the punishment 
on impeachment takes away the injustice and oppression the 

* An impeachment is a public accusation made to the body of the people 
in their representative capacity, against any offender the law makes liable 
to it. 

f An indictment is a written accusation against an offender, presented 
by a grand jury upon oath, upon presentment found.— E. 



Forensic Eloquence. Ill 

gentleman dreads: a slight attention to the subject will show 
the fallacy of this gentleman's doctrine. 



ABSTRACT FROM 

An Address delivered to the law Academy of Philadelphia, be* 
fore the Trustees and Members, 2\st Feb. 1821. 

By Peter S. Duponceau* L. L. D.f Provost of the Academy. 

Mr. President, 

Gentlemen — You are assembled for the purpose of wit- 
nessing and encouraging by your presence, the incipient ef- 
forts of the law academy of Philadelphia. Under your patron- 
age we may indulge reasonable hopes of succeeding, at least 
in the attainment of the primary object of its institution: 
which is no other than to stimulate the exertions of youth 
towards acquiring an enlarged and liberal knowledge of the 
laws of our country. If this honest desire should alone be 
fulfilled, we shall not have laboured, and you will not have 
bestowed your countenance and your support in vain. But 
our views extend much farther. We have conceived the am- 
bitious hope of being able with your powerful assistance, to 
raise from this humble seed a national school of jurispru- 
dence worthy of the high reputation which the Pennsylvania 
bench and bar have justly acquired: we are convinced that it 
is in your power to raise our infant institution, by proper 
degrees to this honourable rank, and make it gradually ex- 
pand, until its beneficial influence shall be felt in the remotest 
parts of our Union. This we believe you can do, because a 
national seminary of legal knowledge is absolutely wanted in 
this country, and cannot be much longer dispensed with; be- 
cause the central situation of this city points it out as the 

* Peter S. Duponceau, esquire is among the few survivors of those noble 
foreigners, who drew their swords in defence of American freedom. He 
was attached to the family of the baron Steuben, acted as one of his aids 
and secretary, until the happy termination of the American Revolution. 
He then established himself in Philadelphia, (being a lawyer by profes- 
sion,) and was soon admitted to the Philadelphia bar, where he has uni- 
formly sustained the dignified stand of an able and honourable counsellor. 
He is advantageously known as the learned translator of Byukershoek, an 
undertaking which future ages will not cease to acknowledge with obli- 
gation. 

f Learned Doctor of Laws, is a title given by an authorised institution 
zo those who are scientifically learned in this profession ~E. 



172 Forensic Eloquenct. 

fittest spot for such an establishment, and because there are 
talents here fully adequate to the important task. 

And why should not this honourable design meet with 
success equal to our wishes? What are the mighty obstacles 
in its way? if we have but the fixed will, and a firm determi- 
nation to persevere in our undertaking. Look at that medical 
school, the pride of our city, and the honour of our country! 
Look back to the time when it was first instituted, when the 
population of Philadelphia hardly amounted to twenty thou- 
sand souls, when there was but little communication between 
the thinly populated provinces of the British American em- 
pire, and when it was still fashionable to believe that a regu- 
lar education in any of the great branches of science could 
only be acquired in the schools of the mother country; how 
difficult, how impracticable, how extravagant I may say, must 
not the plan have appeared to vulgar and to timid minds? But 
Shippen*, and Morgan,! and Rush4 the illustrious founders 
of that noble institution thought otherwise. With eagle eyes 
they saw through the mists of futurity, they felt themselves 
carried along with their country in its rapid ascent, imper- 
ceptible to minds of an ordinary stamp. They passed through 
the storms of the revolution still looking forward to their 
great object, and two of them at least had the good fortune 
to live to see it accomplished. W 7 hile this country shall re- 
main alive to the feelings of national glory, while it shall 
continue to feel a pride in the memory of its illustrious citi- 
zens, the names of Shippen, Morgan and Rush, shall be held 
in perpetual and grateful remembrance. 

Our union consists of twenty -four§ independent states and 
a federal government with limited powers, each state within 
a sphere that extends to all cases of ordinary legislation, has 
its own legislators and its own judiciary establishments, 
with a more or less graduated hierarchy, while England as 

* Dr. Shippen, an eminent physician, and one of the three patrons of 
this justly celebrated medical college; for many years one of its distin- 
guished professors. 

f Doctor John Morgan an eminent physician of Philadelphia, more 
than twenty years professor of chemistry in this institution, died about 
1793, and was succeeded by doctor Rush. 

\ Doctor B. Rush, professor of the Theory and Practice of medicine in 
the same institution, born in Philadelphia, 24th December, 1745, died 
April, 1813. 

§ The word four is substituted for three, as at this time there is another 
state added to the union; there was but twenty- three, when the address 
was delivered. — K. 



Forensic Eloquence. 173 

I have shown, knows only the highest and lowest grades. 
Turn your eyes where you will, and you will find no where, 
that common elevated source where the oracles of law may 
be received and diffused through the land. The jurisdic- 
tion of the supreme court of the United States is limited to 
few objects, and their decisions are by no means in all cases 
considered paramount and obligatory on the state judiciaries, 
Twenty-four supreme courts and an immense number of in- 
ferior ones in various gradations, are daily issuing their often 
contradictory decrees on points arising out of the law, which 
is common to us all. I do not except Louisiana, where though 
the common law has not been established by name, its most 
essential principles have been necessarily introduced and are 
constantly acted upon. Each state, moreover, possesses an 
independent legislature, with almost unlimited powers to 
alter and new model the system of laws, a power which they 
have not sparingly exercised, so that the common law in its 
details has already suffered many considerable changes, and 
in process of time unless speedy measures are taken to coun- 
teract, or at least to direct that spirit of innovation which 
appears every where to prevail, will branch out into as many 
different systems as there are states in the union, in which, 
the great features of the parent will at last, in vain be sought 
for. Those who have attended to the subject, have easily 
observed in how many different ways the law has already 
been altered in the different states, under various customary 
and statutory modifications. But still it is the common law: 
it is still that law which stamps freedom and equality upon 
all who are subject to it, which protects and punishes with an 
equal hand, the high and the low, the proud and the humble: it 
is that law whose magical wand bursts open the prison doors , 
and delivers in an instant the victims of arbitrary authority; 
that law which boasts of twelve invisible judges whom the eye 
of the corrupter cannot see, and the influence of the powerful 
cannot reach, for they are no xvhere to be found until the mo- 
ment when the balance of justice being placed in their hands^ 
they hear, weigh, determine, pronounce and immediately dis- 
appear and are lost in the crowd of their fellow citizens. In 
short it is that law whose benefits we all have felt, whose 
protection we all enjoy, and which no description could so 
well represent to our mind as these two simple words, the 
Common Law.^ 

* Common law,— this is what lawyers term the lex nonscripta, or literally 
translated the unwritten law, this is a system of established rules, founded 



1T4 Forensic Eloquence. 

To preserve at least in their purity the essential parts of 
this admirable system; to exhibit it constantly as a whole, in 
the eyes of the studious youth of these United States; to in- 
stil its principles into the minds of those who at some future 
day will be called to be the judges aud legislators of the land, 
and by that means to create an army of faithful centinels who 
will constantly watch over the sacred deposit in the states 
which they may inhabit, to prevent rash innovations and in- 
consistent decisions in our numerous legislatures and courts 
of judicature, and secure as much as possible an uniformity 
of jurisprudence in the land, is the great object which those 
who have projected this institution had in view, an object 
which it must be acknowledged is of the highest importance 
to our country, and which we are satisfied cannot be obtained 
by any other means. In fact what other method could be pro- 
posed under the circumstance that I have described, to pre- 
serve the purity of the law in our extensive country? Are we 
to wait for every spring and autumn ship from England, for 
cargoes of decisions of the courts of Westminster Hall? This 
would be derogatory to our national independence: and some 
states, among which is our own, have already shown their 
sense of this proceeding, by prohibiting the reading in our 
courts of modern English adjudications.* Are we to refer 
exclusively to that mass of decisions which daily issue in the 
form of reports from the presses of the different states? But 
those decisions are often contradictory, and probably will 
becone more so, unless there is a central point ivhere those 
divergent rays may be collected, and whence they may be dif- 
fused with additional light over the surface of the union. Oi- 
ls each state to consider the decisions of its own judiciary, 
as the only pure source of law? or are the judges to select at 
random from the English and American reporters, the doc- 
trines that may best suit their momentary fancy? Any one of 
these methods will be sure to plunge us into a chaos, whence 
we shall never emerge, until some Justinianf or Napoleonx 

in justice and right from time immemorial, that is, so long ago that no 
man living can faithfully furnish the history of its origin: it is nevertheless 
the most invaluable portion of all modern laws. — E. 

* An act of the Pennsylvania legislature, passed 1 9th March, 1810, pro- 
hibits tie reading or citing in their courts of justice, any British precedents 
or reports subsequent to the 4th of July, 1776, except maritime law. and 
the laws of nations. — E. 

| Justinian, a distinguished jurist of antiquity, flourished in the year 529, 
at which time he published a code of laws. — E. 

\ Napoleon Buonaparte, born at Corsica, a large island in the Mediter- 
ranean sea, 15th August, 1769, afterwards became Emperor of France^ 



Forensic Eloquence, 1 ?f. 

shall sword in hand establish uniformity, by a code which 
will bear his name.* 

It is through the minds of rising generations, that the vast 
body of American citizens can be most effectually acted upon. 
With a succession of able professors, the genuine spirit of our 
law may be preserved through a series of ages; legislative 
innovations if not prevented, may be directed into a proper 
channel, and uniformity in judicial decisions may be in a 
great degree if not entirely secured. The common law, by 
the mere force of circumstances, is becoming more and more 
in England as well as here, but more particularly in this 
country, a science of principles which appears from the great 
number of elementary books that have lately been published, 
in which a more luminous order, a more regular method, and 
a greater freedom of opinion display themselves than were 
formerly met with in works of this description. 

The youthf of the United States, are peculiarly adapted to 
receive instruction and profit by it: they are sensible, intelli- 
gent, have quick perceptions, and are exemplarily docile and 
tractable. The medical school of Philadelphia, offers a strik- 
ing example of their thirst after knowledge, and the able 
physicians that it has produced, are proofs of their talents 
and capacity for learning. Give our youth but free access to 
the temple of science, and you will see them flock to it in 
such numbers as will astonish you. Give the law academy 
but reasonable encouragement, and you will wonder at the 
work of your own hands. 

Gentlemen of the Law Academy: 

I turn to you with pleasure as the pillars on which our 
institution rests. You are the corner stones of the edifice; 
with your zealous co-operation every hope may be indulged; 

the most renowned general of the age, and died a captive at St. Helena, 
an island in the Atlantic ocean, 6th May, 1821; he ascended the throne of 
France sword in hand. — E. 

* In this address, Mr. Duponceau most eloquently recommends the es- 
tablishment of a national school of jurisprudence at some central point of 
the United States; the policy of this measure, although doubted by some, 
appears to me to offer to the country for its duration, a guarantee of more 
than ordinary importance. — E. 

f This tribute of justice to the characteristic genius of the American 
youth, is a noble incentive to every school boy to show himself worthy of 
it, he must always remember that youth is the seed time for improve- 
ment.— E. 



176 Forensic Eloquence* 

without it, every endeavour of the venerable patrons* of the 
establishment must fail; for it is in vain to support those who 
will not support themeslves. Continue, therefore, to show 
yourselves worthy of the honour of being considered as the 
founders of a national law school in the United States. Pur- 
sue your studies with increased diligence, that the academy 
may one day point to you with pride, and say " these were 
our pupils" endeavour to increase your numbers by persua- 
sion and by example; for that is the foundation on which we 
must build, and remember, that every additional student who 
now joins the academy, is a new and important pledge of its 
future success. 

Be not deterred by the fears of the weak or the timid, but 
persevere with steady courage in the work that you have 
begun; and may the Great Legislator of the Universe, bless 
and direct our endeavours to promote a science, which, under 
the revelations of his Divine will, is the surest guide to lead 
mankind into the ways of justice and righteousness. 



Joseph Hopkinsorfs Address, 
Delivered before the Law Academy of Philadelphia, 1827. 

Gentlemen of the Law Academy of Philadelphia: 

In addressing you, at this opening of your session, it is not 
my design to carry you through any learned or difficult dis- 
quisition. It will be my more humble undertaking to present 
to your consideration some practical lessons, which may be 
found useful, not only in your preparation for the bar, but in 
your subsequent progress in your profession. 

When a young man enters upon an occupation which is to 
be the business of his life, it is all important that he should 
entertain just notions of the profession he has adopted. A 
mistake of this point may misdirect him in his whole course. 
If he elevates his aim too high or too low, he will miss the 
object, and all his efforts will but exhaust his strength and 
embitter his disappointment. To do his duty, it is necessary 
to know what is required of him; to attain distinction and 
excellence, he must learn in what they consist. 

The student of law, in this country, who commences his 

* The honorable William Tilghman, late chief justice of Pennsylvania, 
was one of the earliest and most distinguished patrons of the institution: 
be died, 30th April, 1827. aged 71.— E. 



Forensic Eloquence. 177 

labours with sordid and narrow views; who has no other 
object than the profits of the profession; and will be satisfied 
if it procures for himself the means of existence, may be re- 
spectable and useful, but he will never reach the high emi- 
nences of his calling, nor add any thing to its dignity and 
importance. 

It is a reproach often visited on the profession, that all its 
studies are technical; that it confines and cramps the powers 
of the mind, and extinguishes the ardour of genius in the 
dull routine of proscribed opinions and operations; that it is 
inimical to liberal and extended views, and habituates us to 
consider and decide every question by some arbitrary prece- 
dent or artificial rule, rather than by general principles and 
great results. From a hasty adoption of such opinions, it is 
passed almost into a maxim, that a lawyer cannot be a states- 
man. This sentiment is peculiarly acceptable to those who 
have endeavoured, in vain, to become lawyers, and find it 
more easy to impose upon themselves, and sometimes upon 
others, the belief that they are great statesmen, with intellects 
too gigantic for a business which puts some restraint upon 
the imagination, and assumes some guidance of the judgment. 
The failure of some distinguished advocates in England, when 
they have tried their strength on the floor of the House of 
Commons, and mingled in the war of politics with the might- 
iest of the land, has afforded some ground for this stigma on 
the profession. It is obvious that the argument drawn from 
such instances is very unsatisfactory, and the premises by no 
means broad enough to sustain the whole conclusion. With- 
out discussing the question or the fact, as it may exist in that 
country, we are altogether confident in denying it in this. The 
profession of the lawyer in England is much more technical 
than with us. Its divisions into various branches and jurisdic- 
tions may produce a higher degree of perfection in each, but 
it certainly diminishes the basis on which the student is to 
erect the fabric of his reputation, and by which he will limit 
the extent of his knowledge. It confines the movements of 
his mind in narrower channels; engages him in exertions less 
diversified, and directs him to fewer objects of excitement 
and ambition. Not so in the United States: the lawyer here 
is one day in a court of common law, and another in chan- 
cery. He examines and discusses, with equal learning and 
facility, questions in every branch of the science; civil, mari- 
time, ecclesiastical. He sometimes addresses a Judge with- 
out a Jury; and sometimes a Jury without a Judge. There 
is no department of human knowledge, even to the most or- 

A a 



1 7B Forensic Eloquence. 

dinary occupations of men, that may not in turn be useful to 
him: there is no variety of the human character that he may 
not, on some occasion, use to his advantage. Every thing con- 
nected with the nature and business of men, may demand his 
acquaintance and attention. The study of the constitution 
and political relations of his country, at home and abroad; of 
the great principles of international law which govern the in- 
tercourse of independent states, is indispensible to every Ame- 
rican lawyer who hopes to tread the loftier paths of his pro- 
fession. The actual state of our country, as well as its expe- 
rience; the possession and disposal of all political power by 
the people themselves, and the manner in which they have 
chosen to entrust it, fully confirm my view of the subject. It 
is so far from being true, in a land of laws, that no lawyer 
can be a statesman, that we have scarcely had a statesman 
who was not a lawyer. Where there is no government but 
by the law, or rather, where the law is the government, the 
ministers of the law will have influence and respect, will be 
called to aid in administering the government, and receive 
the confidence of their fellow citizens in their most honora- 
ble service. Where the will of a despot is the only rule of 
right, or rather the only rule by which right is decided, where 
a controversy is settled by the caprice or venality of a'Basha, 
who instantly executes his own sentence, and cruelly punishes 
even a murmur of disobedience, it would be ridiculous to 
look for a profession whose privilege and duty it is to inves- 
tigate and expound the law to the understanding of the judge. 
Who can fathom the depths or influence the motions of ab- 
solute power; who can unfold the principles of its decrees? 
What is our experience of the political importance of our 
profession? Of six Presidents, five have been lawyers; and 
the other, a being who stands exalted and alone, " unimitated 
and inimitable;" who furnishes no example for other men, 
because none can hope to follow him. Our secretaries of state 
have all been lawyers; and, generally, the heads of the other 
departments, and foreign ministers. In both houses of con- 
gress, the men who take the lead in directing the destinies of 
the nation, and in managing all its concerns, are distinguished 
lawyers. Nor can these facts be evaded by the calumnious 
pretence that an American statesman could claim no such 
rank in Europe; and is deficient in the talents and knowledge 
required of those who are so esteemed in foreign states. 
Without going back to the period of our revolution, in which 
the capacity and wisdom of our statesmen, united with a full 
and minute acquaintance with the whole science of govern- 



Forensic Eloquence. 179 

ment, and all the abstract questions that arose in the contro- 
versy, enforced by close reasoning and impressive eloquence, 
triumphed over the utmost efforts of these disciplined poli- 
ticians; let us but look at the history of our country in her 
foreign and domestic relations for the last thirty years. Our 
unexampled increase in wealth, power, and population, bears 
conclusive testimony to the competency and wisdom of our 
interior government. But we rise still higher in contemplat- 
ing our foreign connexions and difficulties. The French re- 
volution, with its effects and consequences, threw the civil- 
ized world into a state of unprecedented convulsion; the in- 
tercourse held between its several parts was interrupted and 
changed; new situations and relations were produced; new 
assertions of right, and complaints of wrong, were constantly 
arising; every thing became unsettled and dangerous; the 
great effort of the contending parties was to draw every na- 
tion into the contest, and to trample upon all who resolved to 
avoid it. This state of the world necessarily produced oc- 
currences and collisions, in which a people, determined to be 
neutral, and also to assert and defend their rights, as estab- 
lished and protected by the laws of nature and nations, had 
a daily call for a perfect knowledge of those rights, even to 
the most abstruse learning, as well as for great discretion and 
firmness in maintaining them. This was done by American 
statesmen to the eventual safety and honour of their own 
country, and the acknowledged admiration of every other. 
These statesmen were American lawyers. 

The voluminous correspondence between our department 
of state and the British and French ministers, through these 
years of violence and trouble, is sufficient to repel the charge 
of inferiority in our statesmen. It contains a rich body of 
learned and lucid argument upon very interesting topics of 
national law, and is worthy of a careful and repeated peru- 
sal. At a subsequent period, when our war with Great Bri- 
tain was terminated by the peace of Ghent,* the Marquis of 
Wellesley, speaking in the House of Lords of the negotiation, 
declared that he was at a loss to account for the astonishing 
superiority of the American over the British Commissioners, 
in their correspondence and discussions. 

How imposing is the majesty of the law! how calm her 
dignity; how vast her power; how firm and tranquil her 
:rcign! It is not by armies and fleets, by devastation and blood, 

* A town in the kingdom of the Netherlands, twenty six miles N. W« 
at' Brussels,— E. 



180 Forensic Eloquence. 

by oppression and terror, she maintains her sway and exe- 
cutes her decrees; — sustained by Justice, Reason and the 
great interests of man, she but speaks and is obeyed. Even 
those who may not approve, hesitate not to support her; 
and the individual on whom her judgment falls, knows that 
submission is not only a duty he must perform, but that the 
enjoyment and security of all that is dear to him depend 
upon it. A mind accustomed to acknowledge no power but 
physical force, no obedience but personal fear, must view 
with astonishment a feeble individual, sitting with no parade 
of strength; surrounded by no visible agents of power; issuing 
his decrees with oracular authority, while the great and the 
rich, the first and the meanest, await alike to perform his will. 
Still more wonderful is it to behold the co-ordinate officers 
of the same government, yielding their pretensions to his 
higher influence. The executive, the usual depositary and 
instrument of power; the legislature, the very representative 
of the people, give a respectful acquiescence to the judgments 
of the tribunals of the law, pronounced by the minister and 
expounder of the law. It is enough for him to say, u It is the 
opinion of the Court" and the remotest corner of our repub- 
lic feels and obeys the mandate. What a sublime spectacle! 
this is indeed the empire of the law; and safe and happy are 
those who dwell within it — may it be perpetual. 

I have alluded thus briefly to these matters, only for the 
purpose of giving a proper elevation to the views of the Ame- 
rican student of law. He must not consider himself as the 
mere drudge of a mercenary occupation; he must not believe 
that he does enough for himself or his profession, if he is 
qualified to conduct an action of debt or ejectment, in their 
usual course, through a court of law; but he must fix his eye 
on higher destinies, and more important services. He must 
believe, that to his integrity, and knowledge, and talents, the 
best interests of his country may hereafter be committed; and 
he must prepare himself to fulfil these dignified duties with 
honor and success. He must lay his foundation commensurate 
with the noble superstructure that is to be raised upon it. 
What a stimulus to rouse every power to exertion! what a 
rich reward is offered to perseverance and talent! The prize 
is not to be gained by indolence or vanity. The student who, 
feeling the quickness of his intellect in its exercise upon lighter 
subjects, and trusting that he is blessed with the gifts of ge- 
nius, neglects the grave and complicated studies of the law, 
and hopes to find a substitute for knowledge in the agility or 
brilliancy of his parts, will end his career in the most morti- 



Forensic Eloquence. 181 

fying failure and disappointment. While he is figuring and 
flaming round the bar of a court of Quarter Sessions, and 
drawing all his business and importance from the crimes and 
vices of society; while his legal reading will be confined to a 
few treatises on criminal law; his eloquence to the trite topics 
of criminal defence, and his professional intercourse to the 
tenants of county jails, he will see some more slow and la- 
borious competitor, who started with him in the race, whose 
capacity he probably held in contempt, passing regularly and 
surely on to the high honors and employments, which await 
the lawyer who has given his'days and nights to the acquire- 
ment of the deep and various knowledge, which brings 
strength, and fulness, and ornament, to the character and ex- 
ercise of his profession; and which can be obtained only by 
long and careful reading, and profound reflection. It is not 
enough to read; the manner of reading should be attended to. 
It will not do to run over, or even peruse attentively, any 
given number of pages in a day; it is not to heap upon the 
memory line upon line, and case after case, that will make a 
lawyer. In the study of the law, as in every other science, 
there is danger in reading too much and thinking too little. 
The power of the understanding, the faculty of precise and 
acute discrimination, a most essential quality in a lawyer, 
may be overwhelmed or weakened by referring every thing 
to the memory; by constantly collecting and using the thoughts 
and opinions of others, and never consulting our own. The 
student should frequently lay down his book, and, by review- 
ing what he has read, incorporate the subject with his own 
mind, and make it his own; he must examine, analyze, and 
test, by his own reason and understanding, the opinions and 
principles of his authors: without this, his memory will be- 
come an overloaded magazine of pages and cases, which he 
will be unable to apply to any use. The memory, however, 
is not to be neglected. It is capable of much improvement 
by a proper cultivation and judicious exercise. Some men 
complain of a want of memory, when the real failing is the 
want of attention; reading with a wandering, unsettled mind, 
instead of fixing it closely and exclusively on the subject. 
We seldom entirely forget what has been forcibly impressed; 
we easily remember what has greatly interested us. 

It is not my intention to point out any course of study; 
this would require much more time than this occasion would 
afford, and is not within the limits of my design. But I 
cannot forbear to recommend, what, I fear, is not sufficiently 
estimated as a preparatory study of a lawyer; I mean elegant 



182 Forensic Eloquence, 

literature, that which is of the first order, and formed by the 
soundest principles of taste. Without speaking at present of 
the ancient models of history, poetry, and eloquence, I would 
call your attention to the distinguished classics and scholars 
of our own language. In addition to Shakspeare, Milton, and 
Dryden, an English library will furnish plentiful and rich 
materials to strengthen and adorn the mind. The days of 
Elizabeth and Anne abound with writers of the first emi- 
nence for force and skill of argument, for neatness and pre- 
cision of narrative, and for all the refinements of genius and 
taste. The English forum has its orators as worthy of imi- 
tation as the Roman. All these belong to the accomplished 
lawyer. The grasp of his profession is universal — there is 
nothing he may not make tributary to it; there is no species 
of information or improvement which may not be useful to 
him, as his operations extend over all the concerns of man in 
society. The lawyer must not only know what is right, but 
he must be able to convince others of it. To do this, he must 
take man as he is; not always a deliberating, reasoning being, 
but compounded of passions, prejudices, and various inter- 
ests; and he must know how to approach and command them 
all. If he would unite the powers of persuasion with a know- 
ledge of the law, he must cultivate Eloquence; he must ac- 
quire the art of managing and conti oiling the feelings and 
passions of men by studying the great masters of the human 
heart. He must enrich himself with elegant, appropriate, 
and illustrative imagery; he must learn to touch the chords 
of feeling with a skilful hand. Let him ponder on the pages 
of Shakspeare and Milton, not as amusing pastimes, but for 
lessons of instruction and utility. How much of the reputa- 
tion of Erskine, Curran, and many others, is due to this study, 
is apparent from their speeches. Besides their acknowledged 
quotations, which are shining spots on their pages, it would 
be curious to trace some of their most brilliant and renowned 
conceptions to the volumes of Shakspeare. The student who 
would become a successful advocate should exercise himself 
not only in reading the most finished compositions, but in 
writing himself. He will thus acquire a wide range and se- 
lection of language, with the command of a correct, easy, and 
elegant style. He will be able to regulate the choice of his 
expressions, the construction and arrangement of his sen- 
tences, and to make the best disposition of his subject, argu- 
ments, and illustrations. Extempore speaking is rapid com- 
position; and to compose rapidly, with ease and propriety, 
will become habitual only by frequent use, 



Forensic Eloquence, 183 

Presuming that the student has qualified himself for the 
practice of his profession, and has been duly admitted to the 
bar, it is my intention to offer some suggestions on the course 
of conduct he should afterwards pursue. I need scarcely say 
that the basis of all our dealings, with our adversaries as well 
as our clients, should be a strict and pure integrity; a perfect 
fidelity in the performance of every act and duty required of 
us, and a liberal justice in all that we ask of others. I speak 
not of that politic, indispensible honesty, which the penal code 
exacts; nor of that doubtful, balancing integrity, which nicely 
weighs the question of right and wrong, and decides in its 
own favour by the turn of an equivocal argument. I require 
of the lawyer, most especially in his dealings with his client, 
a high, delicate, and sensitive principle, which shrinks from 
the suspicion of wrong; which will take nothing by a ques- 
tionable title; which decides every doubtful case against him- 
self, and will be clearly and indisputably right, when he as- 
sumes to be so, in a matter in which his interest is concerned. 
He will carry this principle of integrity even to the point of 
disinterestedness; and scorn to use to his own advantage, the 
means which the confidence of his client, and the necessity 
of the trust reposed in him, may have placed in his power. 
He must not impose upon ignorance or thoughtless liberality, 
or treat his profession as a mere mercenary agency, from 
which he may take as much money as he can extort; but 
while he may and ought to receive a fair and honorable re- 
muneration for his services, he should take care to regulate 
his demand by justice, and even with generosity; preferring 
to satisfy, in this respect, the client rather than himself. This 
is due not only to the dignity of his profession, which over- 
looks and despises the contrivances and exactions of petty 
trafficing, but to his own personal character, which must not 
be polluted by the odium of taking any unjust advantage in 
a bargain almost wholly at his discretion, or of doing wrong 
to a man whose confidence has left him no choice but to 
submit. 

It is also the part and duty of professional integrity, to 
give the client not only sound, legal counsel, but that which 
is just and judicious in the actual circumstances of his case. 
Much aspersion has been brought upon our profession by 
unworthy members, who, for a paltry., personal gain to them- 
selves, plunge their clients into trifling, ruinous, and, some- 
times, hopeless litigation; and then strive to carry them 
through it by the most unjustifiable means. Let every lawyer 
consider and treat his client, pro hac vice, as a friend throwing 



184 Forensic Eloquence, 

himself upon his counsel for safety; and direct him, not always 
by his strict rights, but for his permanent, substantial inter- 
ests; by that which, under all the circumstances, it is most 
prudent, and reputable, and beneficial for him to do. It is 
often incumbent upon us to advise and urge a client to give 
up a right, when the pursuit of it will involve him in the loss 
of time, money, and perhaps character, more valuable than 
all he could gain by success in the prosecution. 

It may not be amiss to notice a reproach frequently cast 
upon the profession of the law, in high favour and currency 
with the vulgar and ignorant, but which, although supported 
by a specious attempt at a syllogism, is without any solid 
foundation. It is said, there is but a right and a wrong in 
every disputed case, and therefore one lawyer or the other 
defends what is wrong; and, it is added, what he does or 
should know to be so. This charge against us is more gene- 
rally applied to the defence of persons accused of atrocious 
crimes, which have excited the public indignation, not only 
against the pre-judged offender, but against those who are 
supposed to endeavour to screen him from justice. A moment 
of candid reflection would satisfy the most zealous of these 
lovers of justice, that the object and effort of the advocate 
is not to stop the course of justice, but to see that it flows in 
its proper and prescribed channels; that it is administered 
according to law, which alone is justice under a government 
of laws: the vilest and most assured criminal has a right to 
this protection, even if it should shield him from merited 
punishment; and if it be denied to him, the innocent cannot 
depend upon it. The administration of justice, civil and cri- 
minal, by courts of law, is a vast and complicated system, 
spreading over all the concerns of men, and governed by 
principles of infinite importance to those concerns. The con- 
stitution of civil society is, in a great degree, artificial, and 
so must necessarily be the means by which it is regulated 
and supported. A long experience, noted and improved by 
the learning and wisdom of individuals appointed to the du- 
ty, has gradually ascertained and established the rules most 
safe and salutary for the government of the judicious tribu- 
nals; and the issue of any particular case is insignificant in 
comparison with a firm, consistent, and uniform maintenance 
of these rules. Hence a claim prosecuted in a court of law 
must be sustained and proved by the sort of evidence pre- 
scribed for such a case; and no conviction of the judge or of 
counsel as to the justice of the claim, can warrant either of 
them in giving it a legal validity in the absence of such evi- 



Forensic Eloquence. 185 

dence. The first duty of the ministers of the law is to main- 
tain the law, in which not only the individual suitor, but every 
citizen of the commonwealth, has a paramount interest. Such 
is the duty of the lawyer, who is not called upon to become 
the judge of his client's case, but to see that that of his ad- 
versary is made out according to the law of the land. I would 
not be understood to mean that a lawyer is bound to lend 
himself to the bad passions, much less to the dishonest pur- 
poses of any man. I speak of the ordinary cases of litigation, 
in which each party, according to his view, may believe him- 
self right, and both are entitled to a legal examination and 
determination of their respective pretensions. It is upon the 
information of the client that the counsel takes the case, and 
he naturally adopts his views of it. It is only on the hearing 
before the court that the whole ground is exposed to him; 
and he is enabled to discover where the right lies. As to an 
unconscientious defence of a criminal, I will put a strong case. 
A lawyer is engaged to defend a prisoner charged with mur- 
der. The wife of the accused is offered as a witness against 
him. Could his counsel reason thus? I am, in my conscience, 
satisfied that this man is guilty; his wife is the only witness 
that can prove his guilt; without her, this foul crime will go 
unpunished, and a murderer be again turned loose on society. 
The witness is honest, and I doubt not will tell nothing but 
the truth: the objection to her testimony is merely technical; 
I will not therefore interrupt the course of justice by rejecting 
this evidence. The lawyer who would reason and act in this 
manner, would betray his client, his profession, and the laws 
of his country. 

Thus far I have spoken of the conduct and duties of the 
lawyer in his relations with his client. I will add a few 
words on what he owes to the court, and his brethren of the 
bar. There is an error which gentlemen of high and ardent 
spirits, and, I may add, of irritable nerves, are apt to fall 
into, in believing that they assert their independence of cha- 
racter and professional dignity by a prompt, petulant, and 
disrespectful manner of repelling whatever they consider to 
be an invasion of their rights by the court. They are some- 
times too sudden, sensitive, and suspicious, on this subject, 
and hastily and rudely resent an affront never intended, and 
defend themselves against an encroachment never made. A 
discreet lawyer, like a well-bred gentleman, will not seek for 
causes of offence, but be well assured of the insult before he 
compromits himself in resenting it. The judges of a court 
have, at all times, a most arduous, and frequently perplexing, 

Bb 



186 Forensic Eloquence. 

task to perform! They have to encounter every variety ot 
difficulty and embarrassment; their patience is sometimes 
taxed by unreasonable importunity; their principles shocked 
by bold and pertinacious fraud; their vigilance alarmed by 
subtle attempts at injustice; and all their learning, experience, 
and sagacity, put in constant requisition to discharge their 
high and interesting functions. If, in such circumstances, 
they are sometimes excited a little beyond the point of judi- 
cial propriety, if their sentiments are delivered in a tone 
somewhat too absolute, and are not always sufficiently guard- 
ed by that delicate decorum which belongs to the bench and 
is due to the bar, they should, nevertheless, be treated with 
respectful forbearance; for let it never be forgotten, that the 
profession of the law can never be respected, if the judges 
be degraded and brought into contempt. We are one family, 
and the court is our head; and we render a most acceptable 
service to the whole, by setting an example of deference and 
suitable submission to that head. If it be laid low, we also 
shall be prostrated; if the first ministers of the law be hum- 
bled and disregarded, what will become of the secondary 
agents? Vulgarity and intemperate passions only will tres- 
pass upon the reverence that is due to those who are entrusted 
with the office of administering the law and justice of the 
commonwealth to its citizens. All that I require is entirely 
consistent with a scrupulous preservation of personal charac- 
ter and professional independence. These should never be 
surrendered to any power; and, if the rest be given, and 
gracefully given, these will not be required. The deport- 
ment which a lawyer owes to the bar is much of the same 
description with that which is due to the bench. It might 
be enough to repeat that he is a gentleman; that his profes- 
sion is one of dignity, liberality, and refinement; and that his 
intercourse with his brethren should be governed by the 
rules of the best society. This is always compatible with an 
anxious zeal for the interests of his client, and a full and 
faithful performance of his duty. Can he believe that he 
serves his cause by degrading himself and his profession; that 
he obtains any advantage over his opponent by coarse lan- 
guage and a rude demeanour, befitting the contests of a fish* 
market, not the grave discussions of a court? Does he ad- 
vance his argument with his judges, or his reputation with 
the public, by ribaldry, or passionate invective; by a vulgar 
joke, or insulting reproach, upon his antagonist? This is to 
become the hired bully of his client, not the educated, learn- 
ed, and eloquent advocate of right, and defender of the law 



Forensic Eloquence. 187 

Be therefore always on your guard against this intemperate 
zeal, which brings no fruit but mortification and repentance 
to a generous mind. The members of the same profession, a 
high and honourable calling, owe to each other the most kind 
and forbearing courtesy and respect. To see them, in the 
public exercise of their functions, coarsely sparring, indulg- 
ing in ill-natured sarcasm, bandying Billingsgate jests across 
the bar, is indeed sport to the vulgar bystander, who delights 
to see the lofty thus humbling themselves, the honourable 
thus degraded; but it is death to the character of the profes- 
sion. It is equally unworthy to entrap each other in little in- 
advertencies; to play a game of small tricks, and accidental 
advantages, wholly beside the merits of the case, and the 
duty of the advocate. 

To parties, and, more especially, to witnesses, a generous 
decorum should be observed; every attack upon them not ab- 
solutely required by the necessities of the case, every wanton 
injury to their feelings, should carefully be avoided. How 
can you assail those who are not in a situation to repel the 
attack; how can you use the privileges of your station to 
tread upon the defenceless? 

Before I part with you, on this occasion, you will allow 
me to exhort you, with sincere earnestness, to prosecute your 
studies with determined diligence and perseverance. It is in 
the season of youth that the most vivid impressions are made, 
which take complete possession of the mind. They do not 
find the ground pre-occupied; they have not to contend with 
unfriendly and obtrusive habits; every thing is fresh and 
vigorous and encouraging. If in early life a vicious taste be 
acquired, the appetite returns slowly and reluctantly to whole- 
some food; if pleasure and indolence be indulged, it is painful 
and laborious to shake them off. Do not believe that what is 
called light reading is most suitable to youth; and that graver 
studies may be reserved for graver years. From the com- 
mencement, accustom yourselves to books which require close 
attention, and exercise your faculties of reason and reflection: 
the mere power of attention, that is, of confining the mind 
exclusively to one object, to restrain its erratic propensities, 
is more rare and difficult than is generally imagined. It can 
be acquired by habit, produced by that sort of reading which 
makes it necessary; and it will be weakened or lost by a de- 
votion to works whose gossamer pages will not bear the 
weight of thought, but are skimmed over by the eye, hardly 
calling for the aid of the understanding to draw from them 
all they contain. I do not mean by this recommendation to 



188 Forensic Eloquence. 

fasten you down to law and metaphysics; nor to exclude you 
from the delights of the imagination. The master spirits who 
rule that region of literature, instruct as much as they enchant. 
But this is not to be found in the productions of poets whose 
reputation is founded on periodical supplies of quaint con- 
ceits, artificial sentiments, antiquated verses, and obscure 
phrases; who dress up some popular topic in a garb of un- 
meaning mystery, and startle the reader by the extravagance 
of their conceptions. Turn from such poets to those who 
have dipped the pen in the human heart; who have consulted 
the everlasting oracles of nature and truth, and whose works 
are therefore not of the ephemeral tribe, local, temporary, 
and transient. These great men have not mistaken the effu- 
sions of a brilliant fancy, the facility of graceful expression, 
for the precious gifts of poetic genius. They float not on the 
caprice and fashion of a day, but will endure while man re- 
mains the same. Their learning has pervaded the recesses of 
knowledge; they have penetrated and analyzed every feeling 
and passion and propensity of our nature; and embellished 
whatever they have touched with the brightest, purest, and 
most variegated imagery, drawn from every moral and phy- 
sical source in the compass of creation. They have enforced 
and illustrated the sublime precepts of philosophy and truth, 
and taught man to know himself. It is by such works you 
should form your taste and enrich your studies; the rest will 
do for those readers who desire only to praise or condemn, 
as it may be, the last exhalation from the fashionable press; 
and are satisfied to float on the stream that flows from the 
popular spring. It is a light vessel that swims in such shallow 
waters; you must look to deeper and more copious sources, 
and complete this part of your education by better models. 

As an efficient means of improvement in the acquirements 
of your profession, I beg your unwearied attendance upon 
your duties as members of this academy. What you have 
already done is sufficient to convince you of the utility and 
honour of the enterprise. The reputation the institution has 
obtained and is obtaining, the notice it is daily drawing to it- 
self, bear ample testimony to the talents and industry of its 
members. While the exercises of the academy are as plea- 
sant as they are useful, it must not be considered as a place 
of amusement, for light and superficial disputation, but as a 
solid school of instruction, to be conducted with order, dili- 
gence, and attention. A facility will be thus acquired in in- 
vestigating and tracing to their roots important questions of 
law; in accurately discovering the true point on which the 



Forensic Eloquence. 189 

question turns, and discriminating it from others which might 
mislead a superficial and unpractised inquirer; in searching 
and comparing authorities; arranging and managing an argu- 
ment, and delivering it with ease, force, and propriety. In 
all these efforts and exercises you will be enlivened and stimu- 
lated by a laudable spirit of emulation and pride, without 
which excellence and success are seldom attained in any 
thing. 



ABSTRACT OF 

Mr. Wurts 1 * Speech on the trial of Aaron Burr\ for High 

Treason. 

May it please your honours: 

Who then is Aaron Burr, and what the part which he 
has borne in this transaction? He is its author; its projec- 
tor; its active executor. Bold, ardent, restless, and aspiring, 
his brain conceived it, his hand brought it into action; be- 
ginning his operations in New York, he associates with him 
men whose wealth is to supply the necessary funds; possess- 
ed of the main spring, his personal labour contrives all the 
machinery; pervading the continent from New York to New 
Orleans, he draws into his plan, by every allurement which 
he can contrive, men of all ranks, and all descriptions.^: To 
youthful ardor, he presents danger and glory; to ambition, 
rank, titles, and honors; to avarice, the mines of Mexico. To 
each person whom he addresses, he presents the objects adapt- 
ed to his taste; his recruiting officers are appointed, men are 
engaged throughout the continent, civil life is indeed quiet 
upon its surface; but in its bosom this man has contrived to 
deposit the materials with which the slightest touch of his 
match produces an explosion to shake the continent. All this 
his restless ambition has contrived; and in the autum of 1806, 

* Wm. Wurts an eminent counsellor at law, a native of the state of 
Maryland, and now attorney-general of the United States. 

f Aaron Burr at present a counsellor at law, residing in New York; he 
was vice-president of the United States previous to this disgraceful trans- 
action, which has irretrievably sunk him in the political esteem of his 
country. 1827.— E. 

\ As he was not sufficiently popular as vice-president to insure his elec- 
tion to the presidency of the Union, it was thought he projected this plan 
to take it by force of arms: his disappointment is a valuable lesson to in- 
ordinate ambition. — E. 



■i90 forensic Eloquence. 

he goes forth, for the last time, to apply this match. On this 
excursion he meets with Blannerhasset.* 

Who is Blannerhasset? A native of Ireland, a man of let- 
ters, who fled from the storms of his own country to find 
quiet in ours. His history shows that war is not the natural 
element of his mind; if it had been, he would never have ex- 
changed Ireland for America; so far is an army from furnish- 
ing the society natural andj>roper to Mr. Blannerhasset's cha- 
racter, that on his arrival in America, he retired even from 
the population of the Atlantic States, and sought quiet and 
solitude in the bosom of our western forests. But he carried 
with him taste, and science, and wealth; and u lo, the desert 
smiled." Possessing himself of a beautiful island in the Ohio, 
he rears upon it a palace, and decorates it with every roman- 
tic embellishment of fancy. A shrubbery that Shenstonef 
might have envied, blooms around him; music that might 
have charmed Calypso:): and her nymphs, is his; an extensive 
library spreads its treasures before him; a philosophical ap- 
paratus offers to him all the secrets and mysteries of nature; 
peace, tranquillity, and innocence, shed their mingled delights 
around him; and to crown the enchantment of the scene, a 
wife, who is said to be lovely even beyond her sex, and 
graced with every accomplishment that can render it irresisti- 
ble, had blessed him with her love, and made him the father of 
her children. The evidence would convince you, sir, that 
this is only a faint picture of the real life. In the midst of 
all this peace, this innocence, and this tranquillity, this feast 
of the mind, this pure banquet of the heart, the destroyer 
comes; he comes to turn this paradise into a grave — yet the 
flowers do not wither at his approach, and no monitory shud- 
dering through the bosom of their unfortunate possessor warn 
him of the ruin that is coming upon him.§ 

A stranger presents himself; introduced to their civilities 
by the high rank which he had lately held in his country, he 
soon finds his way to their hearts by the dignity and elegance 

* Blannerhasset was represented to be an immensely rich man; he must 
have been republican in principle, for rich aristocrats can live more ho- 
nourably in Europe than in America. — E. 

f Shenstone »vas a sublime British poet and writer, who died 1763. — E. 

% Calypso a heathen goddess, called the goddess of light. — E. 

\ Blannerhasset had settled here, and in the enjoyment of a rich domestic 
circle, he was visited by Aaron Burr, and believed to have been be- 
guiled by his treachery. — F 



Forensic Eloquence, 19 i 

of • his demeanour, the light and beauty of his conversation, 
and the seductive and fascinating power of his address. 

The conquest was not a difficult one; innocence is ever sim- 
ple and credulous; conscious of no design itself, it suspects 
none in others; it wears no guard before its breast; every 
door, and portal, and avenue of the heart is thrown open, and 
all who choose it, enter. Such was the state of Eden,* when 
the serpent entered its bowers. The prisoner in a more en- 
gaging form, winding himself into the open and unpractised 
heart of the unfortunate Blannerhasset, found but little diffi- 
culty in changing the native character of that heart, and the 
objects of its affection. By degrees he infuses into it the poi- 
son of his own ambition; he breathes into it the fire of his 
own courage, a daring and a desperate thirst for glory; an 
ardour panting for all the storms, and bustle, and hurricane 
of life; in a short time the whole man is changed, and every 
object of his former delight relinquished; no more he enjoys 
the tranquil scene; it has become fiat and insipid to his taste; 
his books are abandoned; his retort and cruciblef are thrown 
aside; his shrubbery blooms and breathes its fragrance upon 
the air in vain; he likes it not; his ear no longer drinks the 
rich melody of music; it longs for the trumpet's clangor, and 
the canon's roar; even the prattle of his babes, once so sweet, 
no longer affects him; and the angel smile of his wife, which 
hitherto touched his bosom with ecstasy so unspeakable, is 
now unfelt and unseen. Greater objects have taken possession 
of his soul — his imagination has been dazzled by visions of 
diadems, and stars, and garters, and titles of nobility: he has 
been taught to burn with restless emulation at the names of 
Cromwell,^ Caesar,§ and Bonaparte. || His enchanted island is 
destined soon to relapse into a desert; and in a few months 
we find the tender and beautiful partner of his bosom, whom 
he lately " permitted not the winds of summer to visit too 
roughly," we find her shivering, at midnight, on the winter 
banks of the Ohio, and mingling her tears with the torrents 
that froze as they fell. Yet this unfortunate man, thus de- v 

* Eden was the garden that Adam and Eve, our first parents, were ba- 
nished from. See 2 Genesis, 1 5th verse. 

•j A chymist's melting pot to try experiments with; which, perhaps^ 
Blannerhasset used to amuse his leisure hours. 

| Oliver Cromwell usurped the crown of England 1654, died 1658. 

§ Coesar usurped the Roman government, and was murdered in the se- 
nate 44 years B. C. 

II Bonaparte, emperor of France, usurped the throne, and was after* 
wards proclaimed emperor.— F. 



192 Forensic Eloquence. 

iuded from his interest and his happiness— thus seduced from 
the paths of innocence and peace — thus confounded in the 
toils which were deliberately spread for him, and overwhelm- 
ed by the mastering spirit and genius of another; this man, 
thus ruined and undone, and made to play a subordinate part 
in this grand drama of guilt and treason, this man is to be 
called the principal offender; while he, by whom he was thus 
plunged and steeped in misery, is comparatively innocent — 
a mere accessory.* Sir, neither the human heart, nor the 
human understanding will bear a perversion so monstrous 
and absurd, so shocking to the soul, so revolting to reason. 
Oh! no, sir; there is no man who knows any thing of this af- 
fair, who does not know, that, to every body concerned in it, 
Aaron Burr was as the sun to the planets which surround 
him; he bound them in their respective orbits, and gave them 
their light, their heat, and their motion.f Let him not then 
shrink from the high destination which he has courted: and 
having already ruined Blannerhasset in fortune, character, 
and happiness for ever, attempt to finish the tragedy by- 
thrusting that ill-fated man between himself and punishment. 
Upon the whole, sir, reason declares Aaron Burr the prin- 
cipal in this crime, and herein confirms the sentence of the 
law. 



ABSTRACT FROM 

Jared lngersoWs\ Speech in defence of the Judges of the Su- 
preme Court on their impeachment, 1805. 

Accustomed as I am to speak in public, I rise upon the 
present occasion with unaffected diffidence and peculiar sen- 
sibility, to fulfil the duty of my situation. The cause involves 
in its consideration, questions the most interesting that ever 
came before a court, in this, or any other country. The op- 
posite consequences of your decision, acquittal, or conviction, 

* An accessory is one that assists another to commit a crime, or con- 
ceals him afterwards. 

f This is the sublimest metaphor an orator can use, because the sun is 
the light of the natural world, and is a fit emblem of science, which is the 
orb of the intellectual dominion. 

\ Honourable Jared Ingersoll, Esq. formerly attorney general of the 
commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and afterwards one of the judges of the 
district court for the city and countv of Philadelphia, died October, 182?. 
aged 73. 



Forensic Eloquence. 193 

are, in my humble estimation, incalculable; in the first event, 
I think I see liberty, that greatest of human blessings, secur- 
ed bu law, and an independent judiciary — an independent ju- 
diciary, which, I think, I can show that the people have con- 
sidered as indispensible to secure all that is dear and valuable 
in this life. On the other hand, the rage of innovation, dis- 
regard of experience, and enmity to system, will paralize the 
administration of justice, and the constitution itself: insuffi- 
ciency, insecurity, and confusion will follow in the train: and 
we ought, sir, to recollect that what has happened in other 
free countries, may take place in this. If the barriers of the 
constitution are removed, if its ramparts are broken down, 
if one co-ordinate branch of the government (for such I con- 
tend the judiciary is,) is made subservient to the views of 
another, we may worship a name; — but the constitution, plain 
and expressive as it now is, from that moment, will become 
a dead letter; books profane, as well as sacred, are written 
for our instruction, and they all go to show how easy some 
aspiring man may take advantage of anarchy to introduce 
despotism, and raise himself to power on the wreck of the 
constitution. You will determine whether these ideas are 
the illusions of a gloomy and disturbed fancy, or evils ra- 
tionally to be apprehended. If my learned antagonist can 
satisfy us that the defendants have intentionally violated the 
laws and constitution, or that they have been guilty of bribe- 
ry, corruption, gross partiality, wilful or corrupt oppression, 
and the conviction is brought home to my mind, that instant 
I will abandon them and their defence, and say that convic- 
tion ought to follow. But there is no necessity to pursue this 
secondary mode of defence. I shall endeavour to satisfy you, 
and pledge myself to show to this senate, that the power and 
authority exercised by the judges is legal, and constitutional, 
and recognised from time to time by the acts of the legisla- 
ture, and confirmed by repeated judicial decisions, &c. I 
thank the manager* for leading us to take a retrospective view 
of the infancy of the United States; a recurrence to the prin- 
ciples of the revolution, is at all times pleasant and profitable. 
I believe we shall find that the American patriots of 1776 
had as much zeal for liberty, as the French of 1793; but it 
was a zeal more accordant to knowledge. While they design- 
ed the end, they also contemplated the means; they consi- 

* This alludes to the member of the senate, Mr. Boileau, who was ap- 
pointed on that occasion, as there is necessaril}' one named on all similar 
occasions, to open and conduct the prosecution. — E. 

C c 



194 £ or ens ic Eloquence. 

deredja! judiciary independent of the frowns and smiles ot 
the legislature as an indispensible requisite in their system. 
A judiciary that could resist the shock of conflicting factions, 
and regardless of party, keep the even unruffled tenor of its 
course, calm, dignified, and firm, in the midst of political 
storms. To the great charter of our liberties, to which the 
manager has referred us, / make the solemn appeal-, I adhere 
to it, as the ark of our political salvation. With inflexible per- 
severance let us consider and understand that we may revere 
and obey: I am willing that my clients should stand or fall by 
this instrument. I have heard, sir, with much surprise, from 
what motive, I do not pretend to say, a great deal of extra- 
neous matter addressed to the senate. Even the virtues, as 
well as the vices of the bar, pressed into the service of the 
prosecution with a view to sink the judges to the earth, with 
the accumulated weight. The counsel who have been ap- 
plied to, to assist in the present prosecution and have refused, 
have been referred to by the manager. Is censure deserved 
on that account? Or on the other hand, does not the circum- 
stance do honor to the individuals, and the profession? Instead 
of being mercenary in their views, and governed by conside- 
rations of interest only, they refuse the money of the state, 
sooner than advocate a cause they deemed legally and morally 
unjust; repelling' at once the insinuation, that lawyers for 
money will undertake any cause, and that the bar are tired 
of the tyranny of the judges, and wish to be rid of them. I 
must confess, sir, I did not think these insinuations altogether 
kind or liberal; I am sorry so much has been said respecting 
the profession of the law; I refer to a book written by Dr. 
Ramsay, fan American) and familiar to you all, in order to 
show that in the revolution, the gentlemen of the bar took 
their full share in the perils of the day. These you will be 
pleased to observe, are not my words, but those of Dr. Ram- 
say, a name dear to the mind of every man who regards the 
liberty of the people: (Ramsay's History of the American 
Revolution, page 199.) I acknowledge that this is matter ex- 
traneous and foreign to the question; but when it is brought 
forward on one side, it must be repelled on the other. And 
who, sir, I ask, is the immaculate patron of purity whom the 
manager has selected to attacktfhe morality of the profession,* 

• This just vindication of the morality of the profession of the law, offer- 
ed in the face of the majesty of the commonwealth, upou such an occasion, 
by one whose whole life was a model of its truth, is a standing refutation 
of the base insinuation that it is a mercenary calling. As there is no 
member of society more useful in his occupation than the virtuous advo 



Forensic Eloquence, 195 

and oppose to our fellow citizen, Ramsay, a man whose name 
shocks the ears of every one who regards piety, or even the 
common decencies of life. I confess that I am no pupil of 
the school, or philosophy of the author he has mentioned. I 
do not believe that death is an everlasting sleep; I am cre- 
dulous enough to expect an eternity to be suffered, or enjoy- 
ed. If the gentleman will please to turn to the same author 
on the subject of marriage, his character will be delineated 
in colours from which the eye of religion will turn with hor- 
ror. That person had a personal enmity to Mr. Erskine.*' 
The eloquent, patriotic Erskine, the advocate of Christianity , 
had probably excited his ^malignity against the profession at 
large, f 



ABSTRACT OK 

David P. BrowrtsX Speech in defence of Judge Porter, aj* 
ter Mr, Brown had enumerated and repeated the articles of 
impeachment. 

These imputed offences, Mr. President, must depend 
upon the specifications contained in the charges. We say, 
they are wholly unsupported by the facts set forth in the ar- 
ticles, by the facts proved, or by the implication of law, aris- 
ing from either or both. And it is necessary to sustain this 
prosecution, that the conclusions, as well as the premises, 
should be established by proof. The prosecution, however, 
have asked you, that if the facts should be proved, you should 
pass upon them, although they may not support the conclu- 
sion drawn from them in these accusations. But let us not 
anticipate the defence. These are the charges in the general; 
in their details, some of them are too odious, some of them 
too ridiculous, and all of them too worthless to be entitled to 

cate of the citizen's rights, so there is none more amiable in the exercise 
of their profession thau he who fearlessly stands the ready avenger of the 
injured and the oppressed. — E. 

* Mr. Erskine, usually called lord Erskine, is a distinguished member 
of the British parliament} an able advocate of revealed truth, and justly 
acknowledged an orator, a patriot, a statesman, and a christian; such a 
man is an ornament to his profession, and an honour to his country. — E. 

f This trial occupied the senate seventeen days, after which, a vote was 
taken, and the judges, Suippeu, Yeates, and Smith, were all acquitted of 
the charge alleged against them. [Misdemeanor in office.) — E. 

\ An eloquent advocate of the Philadelphia bar; born in Philadelphia 
and now about thirty-three years of age. —E 



196 Forensic Eloquence. 

a serious reply. But before this highly honourable court, 
composed of men of character, and who therefore may fairly 
be presumed to know the value of character, that jewel of 
the soul, which when once lost, never can be regained in its 
original lustre; before such men, I say, the respondent is wil- 
ling to lay open the whole volume of his life, and to expose 
all its blots and its erasures. Perfection in man is not to be ex- 
pected, as it never has been, and never can be attained; but 
so far as regards purity of motive, and an honest exercise of 
those intellectual faculties which the God of nature gave him, 
and which should therefore be a subject of gratitude, rather 
than boast, so far through me, he challenges the strictest and 
severest ordeal. Prior to entering upon our answer to those 
charges to which I have thus generally adverted, I must be 
permitted to observe, that there is one difficulty which we 
would most sincerely deprecate on this occasion, arising from 
the indefinite character of some of the charges, and the re- 
moteness of time to which they relate. But, however em- 
barrassing those circumstances might prove against the wick- 
ed or the weak, they have no terrors for us. We are so 
strongly armed in honesty, that we defy the confederated 
powers of darkness, at least before this judicious and enlight- 
ened tribunal, to cast upon the respondent a shadow of sus- 
picion of moral or official impropriety. That he may have fail- 
ings, we shall not deny: it is the lot of man. That he may 
have frequently erred, it is not necessary to dispute; it is the 
privilege of nature, and by nature it shall be excused if it 
cannot be justified. Light may, it is true, issue from dark- 
ness; order may spring from confusion; but the light that 
shall shine on the darkness of guilt, would serve only to ex- 
pose its horrors and deformities: and the order that springs 
from confusion is calculated to unfold that which was in- 
tended to be concealed. There is still another circumstance 
of embarrassment in this matter, although I admit it is scarce- 
ly a subject of complaint, inasmuch as it naturally arises from 
the situation of the respondent. I mean the fact of those per- 
sons who are arrayed against him, having in the matters to 
which their testimony mainly refers, been the losing parties, 
or at least, having their professional feelings wounded by 
unsuccessful professional efforts. This, I say, is natural, but 
it is not the less to be regretted in its operation on this cause. 
Like the wife of the great Julius,* the motives of testimony 

* Julius Caesar, a Roman emperor, said his wife must not only be al- 
ways innocent, but always free from suspicion. — E. 



Forensic Eloquence, 197 

should not only be spotless, as for the most part, I heartily 
believe upon this occasion they are, but they should be ex- 
empt from the taint of suspicion, Man in his best estate is 
fallible; reason is weak, and passion powerful; and it requires 
no ghost come from the grave to tell us which is to be the 
subsidiary of the other. We all know that it is no easy mat- 
ter for counsel themselves, even in their best efforts, to satisfy 
the desires of their clients, where those e forts prove unsuc- 
cessful — and it is certainly still less to be supposed, that a 
judge, however impartial, or a jury, however just, whose 
duty it is to determine between conflicting parties, can afford 
satisfaction to both, judges, therefore, have only to satisfy 
the dictates of their own hearts, and whatever may be their 
penalties and sufferings, the consciousness of unerring, moral 
rectitude, shall bear them through them all. 

It is said by counsel, (I quote his very language,) that this 
trial has been urged with very considerable strictness. Who 
talks of urgency and strictness? Does the respondent? Drag- 
ged from his peaceful fireside — from the bosom of an affec- 
tionate and endearing family — in a word, from his domestic 
gods, not loaded with chains, it is true, like a common male- 
factor, but with worse, an imputation of crime — does he com- 
plain of strictness — of urgency — of severity? No! it is his 
accusers. Those who have thus brought him hither. Thus 
much I owed to the vindication of this honourable court — 
to the dignity and justice of the commonwealth. The coun- 
sel has also thought proper to speak of his candour and im- 
partiality. Alas! with him it was but a barren and a fruitless 
theme. For my part, I profess no impartiality upon such an 
occasion. I cannot sir, — I cannot be impartial when I behold 
an aged servant of the commonwealth, buffeting the billows 
of adversity and confronting the storm, not for his life, (his 
country shall have that,) but for the preservation of the pearl 
of great price, his jewelled reputation, without which, life is 
a burthen, and the world a waste. I repeat, in contemplating 
such a scene, I cannot be impartial. Nay more, I never shall 
envy the feelings of that man who can patiently behold a 
struggle so glorious as this — and in the consciousness of his 
own self-security — cant, coldly speak of the sublime virtue of 
inflexible impartiality , &?c. 

After the testimony xvas closed, Mr. Brown thus continued: 
Enfeebled and exhausted as I am by the protracted inves- 
tigation of this cause, I arise to address this honorable court, 
not in the vain expectation that I shall be able fully to dis~ 



198 Forensic Eloquence. 

charge my duty and to do justice to the subject of inquiry, but 
in the hope that by those efforts which I shall bring to bear on 
the matter which has so long occupied your attention, I shall 
at least, partially discharge my duty, and thereby facilitate 
the performance of yours. I shall endeavour to treat the re- 
spectable counsel for the managers with that courtesy which 
is his due; and I wish in the observations which I shall make, 
as far as possible to separate the counsel from the case in 
which he has voluntarily embarked. Should that, however, 
be impossible, if he has taken his passage* in a vessel which 
is unseaworthy, let him take his fate: I never can nor will 
permit my feelings or my wishes to prevent me from a rigid 
performance of duty. Never, allow me to say, did a more 
important question than that, which now occupies your atten- 
tion employ that of a state or nation. The object of our con- 
ventions, on the question of national liberty, was not in point 
of importance, of greater interest than this. The achieve- 
ment of liberty itself, was not of greater moment to our fore- 
fathers than its careful preservation is to us. 

What sir, is liberty, when it is not found on its march 
hand in hand with justice? The moment you sully the ermine 
of justice, ) 7 ou take from liberty itself all its valuable proper- 
ties — you cease to live in a land of laws, and have no more 
security for the enjoyment of your rights than the savage 
who roams the wilderness. f 

To say, therefore, that I approach this discussion with 
diffidence, is to say only what I am sure will be readily be- 
lieved. I cannot, as has been done by the opposite counsel, 
boast that I represent the majesty of the people; but I advo- 
cate the majesty of justice, the supremacy of the laws, with- 
out which the majesty of the people is an idle tale, " a bar- 
ren theme, an airy sceptre grasped in sleep." It is not merely 
in respect to the honourable respondent who is upon his trial 
that this case is important, but to the country at large and to 
posterity. The example of this day shall stand recorded as 
a blessing or a curse to those whom you now represent and 
to those who shall follow you hereafter. If you regard the 

* This is certainly a happy illustration of an unsuccessful undertaking, 
when the accusation made, is not warranted by the facts adduced. — E. 

| This sentence, furnishes the scholar with a lesson of political informa- 
tion, which as a lover of the republican institutions of his country, he 
should always remember and observe; in civilized society, it is the province 
of the ministers of the laws to award justice to the injured; in barbarous 
tribes, the law is not supreme, (if it is ever enacted there,) and injur" 
and wrong has no public avenger. — E. 



Forensic Eloquence, 199 

welfare of the public, if you desire the streams of justice to 
flow pure and untainted, let your determination be establish- 
ed and placed imperishably upon record, by your decision 
this day. The cause is one of magnitude in point of princi- 
ple. To the respondent, the result of this investigation is a 
matter of anxiety; to the commonwealth also, although in a 
less degree; he has suffered from being unjustly accused: the 
commonwealth sympathises in the sufferings of each of her 
citizens. When the good suffer in the cause of justice, the 
commonwealth cannot be indifferent. The struggle of the 
respondent is not for station or for life — it is for reputation; 
which although at his advanced period of life cannot be long 
enjoyed, yet it is dear to him still as a parent, considered as 
a rich legacy to his issue. " The purest treasure mortal times 
afford is spotless reputation." Character* may aptly be com- 
pared to a fair and fragile flower, that blooms only and ex- 
hales its fragrance, while surrounded by a pure and whole- 
some and heavenly atmosphere; the moment it is assailed by 
the poisonous breath of calumny , it withers, pines, and dies.* 



ABSTRACT FROM 

Joseph R. IngersolVs Speech to the jury, in defence of Rev. 
William Hogan.] 

Gentlemen — Among the numbers who have been induced 
by motives of curiosity to visit the church of St. Mary's, 

* This impeachment occupied the senate of Pennsylvania, (before whom 
it was tried) fourteen whole days, besides parts of thirtyUtjree days pre- 
ceding the arraignment of the judge upon the articles of accusation: the 
result of the trial was his entire acquittal, on all the charges; there not 
being a constitutional majority of votes on either, against him. The ex- 
pense to the commowealth at their last session of impeachments, is comput- 
ed at twenty thousand dollars. 

This is another wholesome lesson to a thinking people, that ought always 
to be remembered, before they encounter a similar expense upon light or 
doubtful testimony. That there are frequent causes of complaint against 
judges in the administration of justice, there is no room for denial, they, 
like other men, with the best intentions of acting right, are equally falli- 
ble; but that the hazard of impeachment will ever cure the evil, under 
the present constitution, remains to be proved by an incalculable expense, 
if not a sacrifice hazardous to justice and humanity.— E. 

t This trial was on an indictment for an assault and battery, &c. on one 
Mary Connel, the indictment was found and tried at the Mayor's court. 
April, 1822, verdict not guilty. — E. 



'200 Forensic Eloquence, 

during their recent controversies, have any of you attended 
that religious establishment? If you have, you have beheld 
a model of the devotion of a numerous flock to a beloved 
pastor. You would have seen with what reverence they paid 
his benedictions from the altar, and with what deeper rever- 
ence they receive into their memories and their hearts, the 
precepts of morality and the principles of religion which he 
inculcates. But had you seen the honest and anxious solici- 
tude with which they surrounded an individual so humble as 
myself, whom they believed to have been in some measure 
instrumental in aiding the cause which they had espoused— 
how the young and the old, with almost tears in their eyes 
besought me to save to them their friend and father — if above 
all, you had seen the host of little smiling cherubim whose 
nakedness his eloquence had clothed, whose hunger his pious 
zeal had fed, into whose opening minds he had instilled the 
first lessons of virtue to guide them in their passage through 
a stormy world, you would have felt a conviction in your 
hearts, that this man could not be guilty of the infamous 
charges imputed to him, and would rescue him by an instan- 
taneous verdict of acquittal, from the foul attempt that is 
made to blast him.* 



ABSTRACT FROM 

Mr. Dallas's, (the Prosecuting Attorney) Speech, in reply. 

Gentlemen of the Jury, 

I remember to have seen not many years ago in the throng- 
ed metropolis of Britain — a hero! the hero of a naval triumph! 
followed from street to street by the applauding shouts of 
thousands. He was the favourite of an adoring and grateful 
nation: and wherever he went in parliament, or elsewhere, he 
shone a bright star of honor, first in the career of reputation. 
His measure of glory seemed to be full: hoping all that a vir- 
tuously ambitious heart could desire: to gaze upon him as he 
passed and to recal the remembrance of his achievements, 
imparted to his fellow citizens gratification and pride; and 
yet I lived there long enough (but two or three months) to 

* This prosecution was believed at the time, to have originated in ma- 
lice and corruption, the prosecutrix; Mary Connel, being adjudged to pay 
the cost, eloped from the citv before the officers of the court could arrest 
her.— E, 



Forensic Eloquence* 201 

behold this model of patriots, this chivalric knight, this peace- 
ful victor practising a mean and mercenary cheat, dragged 
before the offended majesty of his country's criminal code 
and pronounced guilty by an unbending jury, who but a little 
while before thought and proclaimed him irreproachable: lord 
Cochrane has now gone to indulge his master passion of 
avarice, not by the course of dastardly and debasing impo- 
sition practised at home, but by acts of open and lawless 
violence. Nay gentlemen, let us, for the subject is impres- 
sive, recur to times somewhat more distant: let us remember 
him, whom many have deemed the most enlightened and 
most extraordinary of men; shedding the lights of his genius 
and the stores of his almost boundless knowledge throughout 
the world, him whom the poet of philosophy has character- 
ised as u the wisest^ brightest, meanest of mankind? Lord 
Bacon,* Lord high Chancellor of England — first in the nation 
except the king in honours, intellect, reputation, unrivalled, 
untarnished, unsuspected. This wonderful statesman and 
sage, this chief ornament of an illustrious people, in the midst 
of wealth, power and friends, without a motive to meanness, 
with every thing valued on earth to lose and nothing but a 
paltry transitory sensual gratification to expect, yielded to 
the temptations of a low vice, and was convicted by his peers 
of moral prostitution, of bribery! But draw somewhat nearer 
home. Have you known no instances of the kind here under 
your own immediate observation? there are to me, conspicu- 
ous men to which I refrain from recurring. But in this 
neighbourhood close by us, has arisen a splendid specimen of 
architectural beauty, within which, are shrouded archives 
whose lamentablef contents bear too conclusive a proof of 
the instability of human character. Men who adorned our 
mercantile community by their intelligence and manners, 
while they exalted its reputation by their enterprise, punctu- 
ality and industry, rushed in the power of infatuation to the 

* Sir Francis Bacon, (Lord Verulam) was a distinguished Briton, who 
died 1626, aged 57; it was said of him by Dr. Johnson, that when in par- 
liament, tk no man ever spoke more neatly, more pressly, more weightily, 
or suffered less emptiness, less idleness in what he uttered. No member 
of his speech, but consisted of ' the own graces.' His hearers could not 
cough or look aside from him without loss; he commanded when he spoke 
and had his judges angry or pleased at his devotion." No man had their 
affections more in his power. 

f At this time, in the new prison in Arch street, among other unfortunate 
persons confined for debt, there was a merchant of great enterprise, whose 
extravagant speculations had reduced him to the necessity of stopping pay- 
ment, and submitting to the reflection of this very appropriate allusion. E. 

Dd 



202 Forensic Eloquence. 

commission of acts, which would consign the vagrant of the 
street or the humble mantua maker to the recesses of a jail 
for life. 

And yet, gentlemen, in defiance of these lessons, in defiance 
of what is every day mortifying experience, you are gravely 
told that the offence of an assault and battery is impossible to 
the defendant. What has he to place in competition with the 
virtue and piety which Johnson employed in Dr. Dodd?* 
Will he assert a higher sense of honour than the entire Bri- 
tish nation announced Cochrane to possess? Will he pretend 
that he enjoys the influence, rank, riches or want of induce- 
ment of Lord Bacon? Or will he tell you that he has half 
the stimulating motive to continued probity by which cer- 
tain of the most distinguished American merchants must 
have been impelled, who but lately prostrated themselves, 
and tarnished the commercial character of their country? 
There is indeed but one just deduction to be made by the 
reflecting mind, from the consideration of past character, 
condition and deportment; and that is, if they have been 
eminent, they heighten the enormity of the offence com- 
mitted. The well educated, the well trained, the intelligent 
— they who are surrounded by friends, and who feel not the 
temptations which the wants of nature present should shrink 
with horror from crime, and leave their passions so habitually 
under control, as indeed to render it impossible. Character 
affords no shelter to convicted guilt. 

" When men of infamy to grandeur soar, 

They light the torch to show their shame the more," 



ABSTRACT OF 

D. P. Brown's Speech in defence of Hogan. 

I have now, may it please your honour, and you gentle- 
men of the jury, passed hastily, but may I trust, not unsatis- 
factorily over the prominent and characteristic features of this 
case: examining it first upon the testimony of the prosecu- 
trix herself, in which I think she has proved only, that she 
can prove nothings and considering it in the second place with 
reference to the evidence for the defendant, under which lat- 

* Rev. Dr. Dodd, was an eminent minister of the gospel, whose impru- 
dence induced him to forge a friend's name to an obligation for the pay- 
ment of money, of which offence he was convicted, and suffered death bv 
law, June 27tb, 1777, in England.~E. 



Forensic Eloquence. 203 

ter head I have briefly commented upon the alleged alibi* — - 
the contradiction of Mrs. Connel in relation to particular 
facts — and lastly, upon her general character for temperance 
and truth. 

I have thus done, — and as I have said to you, the impor- 
tant part of your duty is about to commence. This, gentle- 
men, is no common cause. It has occupied your most sedu- 
lous attention for an unusual length of time: and whether we 
consider it in reference to the individual who is the imme- 
diate object of the prosecution, or in regard to the commu- 
nity at large it may be truly said, that time has been well 
employed. It has fallen to your lot to determine after all the 
struggles and dangers he has passed, upon the fate of my re- 
verened client. From your verdict there is no appeal, he desires 
none — he presents himself before you, strangers as you are, 
and respectfully asks you to decide between him and his 
enemies. Thank God! there is still a refuge left for the in- 
jured and the oppressed, in the temple of justice — A refuge 
that is never sought in vain! Let the storms of persecution 
rage as they will without — Let ecclesiastical} anathemas 
float upon the air and defile the face of heaven — Let mitred 
despots brandish the threatening crosier} in one hand, and 
wield their mimic thunders in the other: — within this sacred 
temple justice sits unawed, and smiles serenely amid this 
sacriligeous war. Here then, my client and myself repose: 
if they have proved him guilty, let the ax fall. He has already 
suffered much — He has been tried in a school of the bitterest 
adversity: and if it be your pleasure, he is prepared to suffer 
more. From your mercy I ask nothing for him; but be mer- 
ciful to yourselves — Pause ere the Rubicon^ be passed — re- 
flect deeply ere you decide: and when in after days, the vir- 
tuous and the good drop tears of pity for his " hapless 
fate" — when the widow whom he has blessed, and the orphan 
whom he has cherished, shall with throbbing hearts and 
streaming eyes demand their benefactor at your hands, I 

* Alibi, this translated means elsewhere, and in legal parlance, is used 
when it is proved that the party accused, was not at the place where the 
crime was committed at the time charged 

f The Rev. Mr. Hogan, was excommunicated from the catholic church 
by the bishop in public form about this time; he had, nevertheless, a num- 
ber of sincere friends who believed him unworthy of anathemas. 

| Crosiers are pastoral staffs, used by the bishops in Rome, where the 
catholic religion is at all times predominant. 

§ Rubicon, in geography a river of Italy, famous in Roman history but 
now a diminutive stream, it enters Ihe Adriatic about 8 miles iVorth o f 
Romini — E. 



204 Forensic Eloquence. 

charge you upon your oaths, either restore him to their anxi- 
ous arms in all his " original brightness," or be able to lay 
your hands upon your hearts and say, we have judged as we 
hope to be adjudged — In this verdict we stand acquitted to 
our consciences — We stand stainless before our God! 



ABSTRACT FROM 

D. P. Brown's Speech, on the trial of the Journeymen Tai- 
lors. 

With deference to Your Honors, 

Your time and attention have been so largely drawn upon, 
in the investigation necessarily incident to the trial of this 
cause, that it can scarcely be expected, gentlemen of the jury, 
that you should accord to me a very attentive, much less an 
indulgent hearing; but I do expect, and even in that, without 
a compliment, I must be allowed to say, I found my claim 
rather on your liberality than my own merits; I do expect a 
patient and an impartial hearing. The importance of the case, 
upon which you are called to decide, requires it; the inter- 
ests of the conflicting parties, which are committed to your 
charge, solicit it, the laws under which we live and of which 
you are the well approved ministers, demand it, — and the. 
solemn obligations which you have assumed; an immortal 
tie* which at once binds you to this world and to the next, 
imperiously enforce it. In thus adverting to your duties, the 
advocate is not altogether involuntarily referred to the dis- 
charge of his own. And I regret much to say, that, however 
safely I may speak in your behalf — however confidently rely 
upon the fulfillment of your duties, I am neither willing, nor 
do I feel competent to say, on the present occasion, without 
assuming that to which I am not entitled, that I can so se- 
curely speak of my own. The case upon which you are to 
determine is, notwithstanding all the efforts of the eloquent 
counsel opposed to us to establish the contrary, one of great 

* This sentiment properly conveys the idea, that the oath or solemn 
affirmation which each juryman takes, " well aud truly to try the prisoner 
in charge," is a link which binds the juror by an immortal tie, for it is 
his voice that convicts the guilty, in the same tone that it emancipates the 
innoceut: and it is for that conviction or acquittal, according to the best 
dictates of his conscience, he must render his account " before the judg- 
ment seat of heaven. — E. 



Forensic Eloquence. 205 

magnitude and importance. Its consequences are not to be 
decried, nor its character degraded. You are not to be told 
that the result of this case will be nothing more than the im- 
position of a trifling, or perhaps a nominal penalty upon these 
unfortunate and oppressed men. Whatever may be the penal- 
ty, it is unquestionably to be estimated with reference to the 
situation and circumstances of the individuals upon whom it 
is to fall; and we request you to remember, what it appears 
has been forgotten by the counsel, that it is the last hair that 
breaks the camel's back. Suppose the pecuniary penalty 
which the gentleman has thought proper to affix to the al- 
leged offence, were even unimportant, are there no other pen- 
alties acknowledged than those which reach the purse? Is it 
no penalty to trample on a fallen man? Is it no penalty to 
taunt the feelings of a lacerated and bleeding heart? Is it 
no penalty to take from the poor man that which is the 
pride of the rich as well as the poor, the prince and the peas- 
ant, his jewelled reputation? To take from his children the 
priceless inheritance of a good name.* 

To brand him with a mark as indelible as that of Cain, 
and to stigmatize those who shall follow him with infamy.f 
Are these no penalties? When the gentleman looks to the 
pecuniary imposition — it may as he said, indeed, be unim- 
portant; But when he connects wounded feeling and the de- 
struction of reputation, dearer far than life, and to the poor 
and the humble doubly dear, because with them there is no 
cure for a bleeding heart in the weight of the purse; when 
the cause is considered in these more extensive views, allow 
me to say, the penalty so lightly anticipated, is scarcely to be 
borne. Let us not then, have this matter undervalued. With- 
out treating any part of this prosecution either with indiffer- 
ence or want of candour, allow me to say, that the levity as- 
sumed on the part of the prosecution, is no unusual mode of 
crying " peccavi" in a cause. u We have, say they, brought 
a case before you — it has occupied your attention, and es- 
tranged you from your families and your business for an 
entire week; but it is of little consequence, the punishment 
will be nothing; jump at once to a conclusion, favorable, 
nominally favourable to the prosecutors — and we are content 
— justice is satisfied." This is indeed a happy method of 
sporting with your time, your duty, your consciences, for the 

* " He that filches me of my good name, 
Robs me of that, which not enriches him, 
But makes me poor indeed." 
I Cain's mark, see Genesis iv. 15. 



206 Forensic Eloquence. 

benefit of. the commonwealth. If the case be thus worthless, 
thus contemptible, its objects so mean and disproportionate, 
why has it been originally wrought up into such a storm? 
Why have they thus 

" Old ocean into tempest whirled 
To waft a feather, or to drown a fly." 

For all the purposes of testimony the defendants are dead; 
their lips are as effectually closed, as though the ponderous 
and marble jaws of the tomb had devoured them; and no- 
thing is to be heard but Robb and Winebrener, nothing seen 
but that bright Galaxy* in which they, the primary planets, 
are surrounded by a host of twinkling satellites. All this is 
matter of consideration; the inconsistencies of the prosecution 
are to be more rigidly scrutinized, their dispositions more 
closely examined, inasmuch as they have an unlimited power 
of doing wrong, and their antagonists are debarred of all op- 
portunity of counteracting that wrong. But the prosecutors 
have not only sealed our lips, but they at the same time com- 
plain of our want of witnesses. They say we should have 
produced Mr. Alderman Barker — for what? To establish 
what had already been abundantly confirmed by at least three 
or four witnesses. Was not the transcript of Mr. Barker 
offered by us, and opposed by them? If they did not like the 
act, it is not probable the man would have met a better re- 
ception; or if he were desirable, why did not they produce 
him? If he could gainsay the defendants' proof, they had but 
to step across the street, requiring no seven league boots, to 
secure his attendance. But while upon the subject of evidence 
omitted, allow me to inquire from our friend, who conducts 
this charge? Where is Mr. Ross, who applied to the Messrs. 
Watsonf for the price of the riding habit. Mr. Winebrener's 
statement unquestionably required his support; he is among 
the missing. Where is Mr. Burden? a gentleman of un- 
doubted character, and who could at once have placed the 
impress of unequivocal truth upon those transactions, in re- 
gard to which, we have at present nothing but the scambling, 
scattering, and unsure observance, of the redoubtable naval 
hero, Mr. Chamberlain. Mr. Chamberlain, whose sight is so 
jaundiced either by fear or favour, that the most common 
and familiar courtesies, are subject to be misunderstood by 

* Galaxy, the milky way, or that part of the sky which is a long stream 
of light, supposed by modern astronomers to be a profusion of stars. 

f Watson — other master tailors in the city, disinterested to the parties 
in Jhis trial.— E. 



Forensic Eloquence. 207 

him; shaking hands itself, with him, is a badge of deliberate 
treason; there is not a smile but lurks a devil in it; and in 
short, all the charities, and sympathies, and civilities of life, 
are dark denotements of the most deadly and destructive 
hostility. So fertile, so fruitful, is his imagination, that with a 
single effort of his fancy, he convex ts at once a pair of humble ', 
unaspiring pantaloons, to a purpose scarcely inferior to that 
of the imperial robes of the immortal Caesar. The eloquent 
counsel chiming in with the witnesses, solemnly apostra- 
phizes these thread-bare breeches, in the course of his inter- 
locutory appeal, and finally they are by joint effort magnified 
into something but little short of a nine pounder at least, and 
paraded before the commonwealth upon this occasion, with 
all the pride, pomp, and pageantry of a military triumph. 
Now, though some men, as we are told, when the wind is 
north-north west, may distinguish between a hawk and a 
handsaw, I respectfully submit to you, that after this, Mr. 
Chamberlain is not entitled to rank of that number: however 
this may be, permit me nevertheless solemnly to congratulate 
the hero upon his escape from all those toils and perils past, 
those hair breadth 'scapes, and imminent adventures. Had 
it not been for the timely, critical interposition of Mr. Bone, 
one of these nefarious conspirators, had it not been for his 
merciful, all-imposing, irresistible injunction, addressed to 
Mr. Parkinson, in the mystic and magic words " N OT YET," 
the wide world would have had to lament the premature 
death of the illustrious Mr. Chamberlain,* in a manner scarce- 
ly less deplorable or infamous than that of suicide — A tailor 
killed by the untimely explosion of— a pair of Pantaloons. 

Gentlemen of the jury, you have now the whole case sub- 
mitted to you: my duty is discharged, so far as my ability, 
humble as it is, will allow. A still more important and re- 
sponsible duty remains to you; it is for you to determine that, 
which it devolved upon me merely to discuss; to determine 
it, even under all the influence of that eloquence j which you 
have already heard, and which you will again hear from our 
opponents. You have been told, among other appeals to your 
feelings, that you cannot sleep soundly or safely upon your 
pillows, unless you convict these men — nay further, that it is 
necessary to the happiness or welfare of the community. If 
this be so, you are virtually parties to this proceeding, and 

* Chamberlain was at this time in the employ of Robb and Winebrener, 
f Joseph R. Ingersoll and John Wurts, esquires, prosecuted in this case 
for the commonwealth, in behalf of the master tailors. Mr. Ingersoll sum 
med up and concluded the discussion after Mr, Brown had finished. 



^08 Forensic Eloquence. 

while the prosecutors are to be allowed as " large a charter 
as the wind," the unfortunate defendants are to be bound 
hand and foot, and offered up as an atoning sacrifice, upon 
the altar of the violated laws. Well, if you cannot sleep 
soundly, and acquit these men, and you dare not encounter, 
for the preservation of your consciences, these phantoms of 
the gentleman's imagination, why I suppose you must sleep 
soundly, and the defendants must be convicted. Their con- 
viction shall not disturb your slumbers; the groans of these 
men, and of ail those who depend upon them, shall be utter- 
ed, but you shall not hear them; their tears shall flow, but 
you shall not see them; their children shall be reduced to 
beggary, and worse than beggary, they shall be blurred and 
blotted with inherited crime,* but still the peace and tranquil- 
lity of your domestic retirement and repose shall not be dis- 
turbed: you shall sleep soundly, and the gentleman shall have 
his way! — Time shall roll on, until in the grave, the last pil- 
low of repose for the oppressed and the wretched, the poor 
man at least, rests from his labours, and throws off his griefs. 
The earth closes over him — the grass springs from the kin- 
dred sod, the only monument of the miserable — moistened 
by no tears, save the dews from Heaven. The night wind, 
while it wings its flight across " the narrow house," sings his 
last— sad — only requiem — he was — He is gone, and all that 
appertained to him, is forgotten forever. The events of this 
cause are no longer remembered, the reproach which you 
affixed to him, is no longer felt by their intended victims; 
but you and yours, those whom you represent, and those who 
shall come after you, shall feel it. The verdict of this day, 
shall be imperishibly inscribed upon the records of this court, 
41 and many an error by this same example, shall creep into 
the state."j 

* Inherited crime — this sentiment conveys the idea that for the sins of 
the father, (which is too often the case) reproach, if not disgrace, rests 
upon the innocent offspring. 

f This case was tried in the mayor's court of Philadelphia, 18th of Sep- 
tember, 1827. The defendants were twenty-four journeymen taylors, who 
were charged with a conspiracy to raise their wages above the usual rate, 
to compel their employers, Messrs Robb and Winebrener to re-employ 
certain men dismissed by them, and to injure others in their employ ; and 
also to obstruct them in their business. The jury, on Monday, 24th Sep- 
tember, returned a verdict of guilty on the count charging the defendants 
with conspiracy to seduce men from Robb and Winebrener's service, 
and not guilty on all the other counts, which were eight in number. A 
motion has been made for a new trial 

In order to consummate this offence, there is no occasion that an act 
should be done pursuant to " an unlawful agreement entered into betweec 



HISTORY OF THE WAR, 

ABSTRACTS FROM 

The History of the Republican War, 
Naval Affair s K — Capture of the Gueriere. — Naval Victories, 

No sooner was the war declared, than our little navy, in 
gallant trim, issued forth in separate ships, or small squadrons, 
from the different ports, and a hundred privateers soon after 
darted upon the foe. The national chagrin had scarcely worn 
off, when the general attention was directed towards the 
ocean. It was not long before the trident was torn from the 
grasp of Britannia, and the J*ed cross laid at the feet of vic- 
torious America. 

Commodore Rodgers put to sea in June, and steered in 
pursuit of the West India convoy. While thus engaged, he 
gave chase to the Belvidera, a British frigate, leaving his 
squadron in the rear. But the enemy being a faster sailer, 
and having other advantages, effected her escape, though not 
without loss. The commodore received a severe wound, and 
had nineteen of his men killed by the bursting of a gun. The 
squadron then crossed the Atlantic, and after a cruise of three 
months, by which the return of the American commerce was 
much facilitated, arrived at Boston with several prizes. 

the parties," Raymond 1167. The conspiracy is the essence of the crime, 
and if that be proved, there is always good ground for a conviction; the 
penalty is fine and imprisonment. 

The profession of the law is second to neither of the learned professions 
in advantage to the public, and in honour to the learned and conscientious 
practitioner. If, however, the lawyer attains to eminence at the bar, he 
must be blessed with a firm constitution to bear him up under its continu- 
ed watching and fatigue. His memory should be quick and retentive, his 
judgment clear and penetrating, his understanding solid and comprehen- 
sive, his religious faith firm and decided, his disposition benevolent, and 
his ambition to learn the law as a science of the first order, must be unre- 
mitting and bold. 

«« The necessity of close application will be evident, when he considers 
the multiplicity of our laws arising from the numerous rights of indivi- 
duals, the various kinds of property, and the depredations to which it is 
exposed. He will feel his obligations to that learned and judicious com- 
mentator, who best facilitates his progress and guides his steps thTough the 
intricate labyrinth of jurisprudence;" sustaining the high and responsible 
character of an interpreter of laws, which are the scourges of vice, the 
guardians of virtue, and the dispensers of justice, a devotiou to his pro- 
fession is his highest compliment. — E. 

Ee 



210 Abstracts from 

The Essex and other national vessels sailed about the same 
time. The Constitution, captain Hull, was chased for two 
days, but through consummate seamanship of this comman- 
der she escaped. 

These events prepared the public for something of a splen- 
did character, but the occurrence which soon after took place, 
far transcended our most sanguine hopes. In the skill and 
gallantry of our naval commanders, the nation reposed the 
highest confidence, but they had not yet been matched with 
the boasted lords of the seas. The British looked to victory 
with the confidence of a people habituated to conquer. They 
seemed to have no other wish than to prevail on the Ame- 
ricans to meet them. Better for them that meeting had never 
taken place. The Gueriere, one of the finest frigates that 
ever descended upon the ocean, vauntingly displayed her 
pendant with a variety of insulting mottos, before the Ame- 
rican harbours. Her commodore began to fear that no foe 
could be found sufficiently bold to encounter him. On the 
memorable nineteenth of September, the Constitution hove 
in sight; with satisfaction the Briton beheld her bearing 
down, and backed his topsails to wait her approach. For 
some time they tried each other's skill in naval manoeuvring; 
but the Gueriere finding that nothing was to be gained in 
this way, poured out her broadsides. Great was her wonder 
to find them not returned. Several of Hull's brave fellows 
had lallen. The souls of the American crew were on fire; still 
they patiently waited the orders of their commander. That 
moment pregnant with so much glory to themselves and to 
their country, came at last. Sailing master Alwyn had ad- 
mirably seconded the views of the commander, and orders 
were given to fire broadside after broadside, in quick suc- 
cession. The work was done as if by the thunderbolts of Jove. 
In fifteen minutes the proud British frigate was a wreck; in 
frfteen minutes more her flags came down, and the vessel 
was on the point of sinking. u Free trade and sailor's rights" 
triumphed over the tyrants of the sea. 

Great was the disproportion between the killed and wound- 
ed of the adverse frigate. The Gueriere had fifteen killed 
and sixty wounded; the Constitution, seven killed and seven 
wounded. One hour after the American would have been 
ready to try the fortune of arms with another Englishman. 
The deportment of the Americans towards their prisoners, 
was the most generous and humane. The prize was burnt 
and blown up, it being utterly impossible to bring her in. 



The History of the War. 211 

After making a few captures, the Constitution returned on 
the twenty second of September. 

The news of this glorious affair spread on the wings of 
the wind. Full, indeed, was our recompense for past mis- 
fortunes. All the circumstances of this unparalleled combat 
were of the most pleasing kind. As some reward for this 
signal service to his country, Hull was presented with the 
freedom of all the cities through which he passed on his way 
to the seat of government, and on the meeting of congress, 
a liberal allowance was made to himself and his crew, in con- 
sequence of his inability to bring the enemy's ship into port. 

From this time to the close of the war, the American newspa- 
pers were filled with accounts of naval exploits, performed both 
in private and public armed vessels. Captain Porter, in the 
Essex, in a daring manner cut out a brig from a convoy, and 
found on board fourteen thousand dollars in specie, and one 
hundred and fifty soldiers. He afterwards captured the 
Alert, (which was in search of the Hornet,) and was on the 
point of engaging a frigate when he was separated by the 
approach of night, but in the morning she had disappeared. 

The President sailed again in October, and captured the 
British frigate Swallow, with two hundred thousand dollars 
on board. The Argus which had parted from the squadron, 
was also fortunate. She captured several valuable prizes, and 
after various narrow escapes, arrived at last in safety at New 
York. 

The gallant commodore Decatur, in the frigate United 
States, added another laurel to those which already graced 
his brow. On the twenty-fifth of October, he fell in with the 
Macedonian, captain Carden, a British frigate of the largest 
class. The engagement lasted two hours, in consequence of 
the roughness of the sea. The fire of the American was so 
remarkable, that the enemy at one moment thought her on 
fire. Lieutenants Funk and Allen were highly distinguished 
in this affair: the former unhappily received a mortal wound. 
The commodore safely reached New York with his prize, 
and was readily rewarded by the applause of his country. 

Another naval victory was sometime after announced, won 
after a short, but to the enemy, a most sanguinary conflict. 
Captain Jones, of the Wasp, a sloop of war, fell in with the 
Frolic, twenty-two guns, captain Whinyates. The superiority 
was somewhat on the side of the Briton. At first the chances 
appeared in his favour; the rigging of the Wasp had suffered 
in a gale the day before, and the roughness of the water pre- 
vented the Americans from bringing their guns to bear with 



212 Abstracts jrom 

their usual effect. The engagement lasted nearly an hour; the 
vessels gradually nearing each other until the rammers touch- 
ed their sides. The Frolic was at length taken by boarding. 
In forty minutes after they came to close quarters, the Ame- 
ricans were in possession. Her decks exhibited a most shock- 
ing spectacle; her rigging had been completely cut up, and 
both decks were strewed with the dead and wounded. The 
Americans on this occasion, displayed their characteristic 
humanity. The loss on board the Frolic was thirty killed 
and fifty wounded: that of the Wasp was only five killed and 
five wounded. Both these vessels were some days afterwards 
eaptured by the Poictiers seventy -four, captain Beresford. 
• Never was any war so wonderfully successful as that waged 
against the Goliahs of the ocean. The first year of the war 
was a continued series of naval victories. In a few months 
the enemy lost upwards of two hundred and fifty merchant 
vessels, two of her frigates, and several smaller public vessels. 
In Great Britain, the marvellous deeds, at first disbelieved, 
soon produced a deep chagrin, and even dismay. The main 
pillar of her strength was torn away. Unwilling to acknow- 
ledge the superiority of the new enemy, she sought to deceive 
herself by idle estimates of the comparative force, and by the 
invention of fancied mishaps: had we lived in an age of su- 
perstition, it would all have been attributed to magic. 

On the lakes, those vast interior seas, whose borders are 
destined to become the joyful residence of millions of our 
fellow creatures, there appeared to be an approaching naval 
struggle. The Caledonia, and the brig Adams, loaded with 
furs, had come down the lake early in October, and anchored 
under the guns of the British fort. Lieut. Elliot, of the navy, 
who had some short time before arrived with a number of 
our brave tars in order to provide a naval force, early in the 
morning, slipped down with some of his gallant fellows, 
boarded, and carried the two vessels. In ten minutes after- 
wards he was under way, but the Adams unfortunately ran 
aground before he could secure her; the other, however, was 
safely brought off, and was found to have on board two hun- 
dred thousand dollars worth of furs. 



Meeting of Congress — Proposed Armistice — Capture of the 
Java — Operations on the Lakes — Siege of Fort Meigs. 

Shortly after the commencement of the war, a proposition 
for a cessation of hostilities, was made by the governor of Ca- 



The History of the War. 213 

nada, information having reached him of the repeal of the 
orders in council. This proposition being vague and inform- 
al, was at once rejected. It was followed by one more spe- 
cific on the part of admiral Warren, who came to take com- 
mand of the station; he demanded as a preliminary to every 
other step, that the United States should throw down their 
arms, as having been the aggressors. This insolent demand 
was instantly refused. In fact, we had no confidence in the 
momentary repeal of the orders in council; nothing but a re- 
peal of the wicked temper of the enemy could give us secu- 
rity. To prove, however, to the world, that we were not 
behind our enemy in a wish to put an end to the horrors of 
war, the American charge d'affairs in London, was instruct- 
ed to make formal proposals for settling all disputes on fair 
terms, and in the mean time, to agree tfo an armistice pend- 
ing the negociation. They were not received. 

On the meeting of congress, the aspect of affairs was such 
as to call for the most active and vigorous preparations for 
carrying on the war. A loan was authorised; an additional 
number of troops were to be enlisted: and all the necessary 
provisions for a serious conflict were made. The president 
called upon the national legislature to meet the coming storm 
with firmness, becoming the representatives of a free and 
magnanimous people. 

Captain Chauncey, of the navy, was sent to lake Ontario 
to organize a naval force. So rapid were his operations, that 
before winter set in, he had gained the ascendancy on the 
lake, had captured a British vessel, and driven their fleet to 
take shelter in the harbor of Kingston. 

While congress was engaged in these affairs, news arrived 
of a third victory obtained over a British frigate. On the 
twenty -ninth of December, at two o'clock, P. M. the Consti- 
tution, captain Bainbridge, fell in with, and captured the 
British frigate Java, of fifty guns, and upwards of four hun- 
dred men, commanded by captain Lambert, a distinguished 
officer. The action lasted about one hour and an half, during 
which time the enemy was completely dismasted, and their 
commander mortally wounded. On board were general His- 
lop, destined to the command of Bombay, together with se- 
veral other officers of distinction. The prize could not be 
brought in, having been reduced to a perfect wreck. The 
victor reached Boston in February, and received the same 
honors as were uniformly paid to our naval commanders. 

The rejoicings for this happy occurrence were not a little 
damped by intelligence of the critical situation of general 



214 Abstracts from 

Harrison. This officer finding his force much weakened by 
the loss of numbers as well as of the aid and council of so 
many able officers and intelligent men, deemed it prudent to 
entrench himself near the Miami. He constructed hastily a 
stockade, which he called fort Meigs, in honor of the active 
and patriotic governor of Ohio, who had exerted himself in 
the most laudable manner to further the preparations on foot. 
His rude fortifications were still incomplete when the enemy, 
consisting of a combined force of British and Indians, under 
general Proctor, made its appearance. The fort was manned 
with about a thousand men, chiefly volunteers, and was close- 
ly invested by more than double the number. A fire was mu- 
tually kept up each day for some time, when a messenger in- 
formed the American commander of the approach of twelve 
hundred men under general Clay. A well planned sortie in 
conjunction with the reinforcement was resolved upon. Colo- 
nel Dudley descending the Miami at the head of a detach- 
ment in pursuance of the preconcerted plan, suddenly landed 
on the left bank of the river, assailed the British batteries, 
and completely drove them from the field; unfortunately, 
however, the impetuosity of his troops could not be checked, 
they persisted in pursuing the enemy, until they reached a 
wood, where they were suddenly surrounded, and the greater 
part cut to pieces, or made prisoners. The colonel, who had 
endeavored to make good his retreat to the boats, was slain 
in the struggle. On the opposite side, the sortie on the Brit- 
ish works was completely successful. Colonel Miller, of the 
gallant fourth, who was chosen for this purpose, drove the 
besiegers from all their works. On that side, also, the ungo- 
vernable headlong daring of the Kentuckians, was near being 
ruinous to them; they were only saved by a vigorous charge 
of the horse which covered their retreat. Among the distin- 
guished officers of that day, we find the names of major Al- 
exander, captains Croghan, Bradford, Nearing, Sdbrie, and 
lieutenants Campbell and Gwynn. 

This put an end to the siege of fort Meigs. During the 
siege, which lasted thirteen days, the Americans lost eighty 
killed, and one hundred and fifty wounded, besides those who 
fell a sacrifice to the fury of the savages under Dudley. Had 
the enemy been successful, the most disastrous consequences 
would have followed. The whole frontier was thus placed in 
a state of security, from the murderous incursions of the 
savages* 



The History of the War* 21 5 

Capture of the Peacock — Other Naval Affairs* 

The naval incidents of the second year of the war, with 
one or two exceptions, were of the same brilliant character 
as the first. The opening of the year was signalized by the 
capture of the Peacock, by the Hornet, Captain Lawrence. 
This vessel had been left by commodore Baihbridge shortly 
before his capture of the Java, to blockade the Bonne Citoy- 
enne, a British vessel then in the port of St. Salvador. On 
the twenty fourth of January, the Montague seventy-four, 
hove in sight, on which the Hornet was compelled to raise 
the siege. 

The Hornet, by this occurrence, was compelled to strike 
out a new course. On the twenty-third of February, she dis- 
covered an English brig lying at anchor near the Carabona 
banks; Captain Lawrence stood for her, but while in the act 
of beating round for the purpose of coming up, another vessel 
of war was espied making towards the Hornet. This proved 
to be a large man of war brig the Peacock, Captain Peake. 
It was not long before they were both engaged. In fifteen 
minutes the Peacock could with difficulty be kept from sink- 
ing, she hung out signals of distress at the same moment that 
she hauled down her flag. The generous Lawrence immedi- 
ately despatched his boats to assist in saving the vanquished 
crew; every possible effort was made, but in spite of all they 
could do she went to the bottom, carrying down three Ame- 
rican seamen, and five of her own crew. The officers and 
crew having been deprived of their clothing, were supplied 
by the Americans, who shared with them like brothers. The 
injury of the Hornet was very slight. 

The British, mortified beyond measure at the repeated 
defeats which they had experienced, found it necessary seri- 
ously to devise some mode of retrieving their credit. Several 
frigates were fitted out in the best possible manner, with 
picked crews. Marksmen, in imitation as they pretended of 
the Americans, were stationed in the tops, and the artiller- 
ists were trained with peculiar attention. The numbers of 
the crews were increased for the purpose of boarding; in fine, 
nothing was left undone that might enable them to cope with 
the formidable Americans. 

Captain Lawrence returned in April, and after experienc- 
ing every mark of honour, which his country could bestow, 
was appointed to the command of the Chesapeake at Boston, 
the unfortunate vessel which had before the war received so 



2 1# Ads tracts from 

great an insult from the British. The Shannon and Tenedos 
were at this time cruizing off the harbour, and sending chal- 
lenges to the American commanders of frigates. Lawrence 
unfortunately never recieved any of them, and was not aware 
that he had to contend with an enemy specially prepared: 
but peKceiving a British vessel casting defiance as it were in 
his teeth by parading in full view of him, he burned to sally 
forth and try the fortune of his arms. The Chesapeake was 
undergoing some repairs, the greater part of her crew had 
been discharged, new hands were to be enlisted, and many 
of the most important equipments to be made. His impa- 
tience huried every thing forward; no moment was to be lost. 
On the first of June he moved out, and the Shannon, Captain 
Broke, espying him, manifested no wish to avoid the contest. 
Lawrence harangued his crew, when to his inexpressible mor- 
tification, he found them sullen, and mutinous; he endeav* 
cured to conciliate them and arouse within their breasts a 
spirit worthy of the occasion. But in vain as became too evi- 
dent. After some maneuvering they came to close quarters, 
and at first the advantage was evidently in favour of the 
Chesapeake; the fortune of the day soon began to turn, in 
consequence of the great destruction among the American 
officers. Sailing-master White was killed; lieutenant Ballard 
mortally wounded; lieutenant Brown of the marines, severe- 
ly, as also the first lieutenant Ludlow. Captain Lawrence, 
although severely wounded, still remained on deck, giving 
his orders with coolness as he leaned upon the companion- 
way. He was giving orders for the boarders to come up, 
when he received a ball in his body, on which he was carried 
below, exclaiming to his companions as they carried him off, 
u DorCt give up the Ship" which words have become the 
motto of American seamen. Captain Broke finding that his 
vessel had received great injury, and was then almost in a 
sinking condition, determined to board. The Chesapeake 
having been disabled in her rigging, she had fallen, to use 
seaman's phrase, on board the Shannon. The British com- 
mander leaped on deck at the head of about twenty men, and 
was soon followed by a sufficient number of his crew to ac- 
complish his object in view. A short but desperate struggle 
ensued. The loss of officers on the part of the Americans, 
and the dastardly conduct of the boatswain, who had skulked 
instead of calling up the boarders, gave the decided advan- 
tage to the enemy. The action in a short time terminated in 
the capture of the Chesapeake. Nearly all the officers on 
board this ill-fated ship, were either killed or wounded. On 



The History of the War. 217 

the part of the enemy there were twenty-three killed and fifty- 
six wounded. The conduct of the British was not so con- 
spicuous for magnanimity to the vanquished, as would have 
been wished, with the exception of the honourable interment 
of the naval heroes Lawrence and Ludlow, on their arrival 
at Halifax. 

The rejoicings in England for this victory, were scarcely 
more extravagant than those of Nelson, and of their most 
distinguished Admirals. The capture of one American fri- 
gate appeared to them a greater exploit, than the capture of 
a French or Spanish fleet. For a time, the tide of fortune 
seemed to be in favour of Britain. The Argus early in June, 
after having carried out the American minister to France, 
went to cruize in the British channel, where she committed 
so much havoc, that the British government found it neces- 
sary to fit out ships on purpose to encounter this dangerous 
enemy. By one of these, (the Pelican,) she was discovered 
at night by a ship on fire. Captain Allen fell at the first 
fire, and his lieutenant soon after. The wheel being unfor- 
tunately shot away, she was exposed to raking. In this situa- 
tion she withstood the enemy's fire sometime, but was at last 
compelled to surrender after forty -seven minutes close fight- 
ing. This was the last victory fairly obtained by Britain. 

Early in July, letters were received from commodore Por- 
ter, who it seems had sailed round Cape Horn, for the pur- 
pose of cutting up the English trade and destroying the fish- 
eries in the South seas. In this he met with astonishing suc- 
cess; he captured nine of the enemy's ships, the greater part 
of which were armed, and distributing some of his men on 
board these ships, he made out to form a respectable fleet, 
with which he soon became master of the Pacific ocean. 

In the Atlantic, victory once more returned to the side of 
justice. On the first of September, the brig Enterprize 4 cap- 
tain Burrows, fell in with the Boxer, captain Blvthe. The 
action lasted but little more than thirty minutes, when the 
Englishman was so roughly handled that he cried for quar- 
ter, as they were unable to haul down the colours, having 
used the precaution to make sure of their courage, by nail- 
ing it to the mast. Both the commanders were killed. Cap- 
tain Burrows refused to be carried below, and when the 
sword of his adversary was presented to him, he pressed it 
to his breast and exclaimed, u I die contented." 

Commodore Rodgers, on the twenty-sixth of September, 
arrived after a cruize of great length, having looked at every 
country on the Atlantic, and circumnavigated the British 

Ff 



.218 Abstracts from 

islands, without molestation from the thousand ships of Great 
Britain. Off the American coast he captured a small vessel, 
the Highflyer, with admiral Warren's private signals, by 
which he was enabled to escape the British cruizers. 



Russian Mediation — Brilliant events of the War. 

War entails upon every nation many evils and many suffer- 
ings; although it is one of the conditions of life, there is none 
who does not prefer the smiles of peace to the flickering 
brand of discord. It was therefore not without gladness, that 
we hailed the first rays which promised once more, a day of 
sunshine. The overtures for an armistice reciprocally made 
had entirely failed, when the Emperor of Russia inter- 
posed his good offices as mediator, desirous of bringing 
about an amicable adjustment of differences. President Ma- 
dison immediately accepted the proposition, and appointed 
Messrs. Gallatin, and Bayard, together with Mr. Adams, 
the commissioners for the occasion. The two former as soon 
as possible embarked for Europe. 

The campaign of 1813, the second year of the war, opened 
with several brilliant affairs which served to raise the char- 
acter of our soldiery. Commodore Chaucey was master of 
Lake Ontario, and Sir James Yeo, was careful not to show 
himself out of Kingston, until the vessels then building would 
give him the superiority. The commander-in-chief, General 
Dearbome, was therefore at liberty to cross to the Canada 
side with his troops, in the pursuit of any plan of operations 
he might adopt. Pike, w r ho had been raised to the rank of a 
Brigadier, full of the most ardent desire of distinction, panted 
for an opportunity of taking the field. An attack on York 
was resolved upon; the plan and execution was resigned to 
Pike. This place, the capital of Upper Canada, contained 
vast quantities of military and naval stores, and moreover, a 
large vessel, almost ready to be lanched, which would give 
the command of the Lake to the British. 

On the twenty-fifth of April, two thousand men were em- 
barked on board the American squadron, and the next day 
appeared before York. No time was lost in effecting a land- 
ing at the ruins of the old fort of Torento, about two miles 
above the town. This was effected under a severe fire from 
the enemy, who had been apprised and were drawn up at the 
water's edge. Forsythe, with his riflemen, led the van; but 



The History of the War. 219 

receiving a galling fire as he neared the shore, he ordered 
his boatmen to rest on their oars, in order to give his marks- 
men an opportunity of returning the compliment. This being 
observed by Pike, who was anxiously watching every move- 
ment, he leaped into the boat prepared for himself and staff, 
and ordered the detachment of Major King to follow him. 
He made good his landing, and placing himself at the head 
of the troops first formed, gallantly charged upon the enemy, 
and drove them before him. A few moments after, reinforce- 
ments arriving, he moved rapidly forward, drove the enemy 
from a battery which they had constructed, and then pushed 
on to another, when the sound of Forsythe's bugles announced 
victory on his part. As he approached the last battery, it was 
precipitately abandoned by the enemy. Here his column 
halted within three hundred yards of the enemy's barracks. 
While calmly engaged in conversation with a British ser- 
geant, a dreadful explosion took place. It was the magazine 
in which there had been an immense quantity of gun-powder. 
Masses of stone and timber, fell in the midst of the Ameri- 
cans, producing a dreadful havoc; upwards of two hundred 
were at once killed and wounded. Unsubdued by the horrors 
of this infernal contrivance, and of this scene of desolation, 
their ranks were instantly closed, and they rent the air with 
three loud huzzas, while the animating tune of Yankee doo- 
dle cheered even the dying, and caused the wounded to for- 
get their pain. The chivalrous leader, however, was here 
doomed to terminate his short, but glorious career: he re- 
ceived a mortal contusion, but still retaining enough of life 
to give words to his gallant spirit, he thus addressed his 
troops, " Move on my brave fellows and revenge your Gene- 
ral" He was then carried on board one of the vessels; the 
scenes of life were rapidly receding from his view, and his 
sight growing every moment more dim, when he was somc= 
what roused by the victorious shout of his men. A moment 
afterwards the British flag was brought to him; this for an 
instant kindled up his fading eye, and requesting that the 
trophy might be placed under his head, he expired. 

The American troops headed by Colonel Pearce, took pos- 
session of all the British works, and were on full march to 
York, when they were met by a deputation who offered to 
surrender. It was agreed that the place with all public pro- 
perty, and the troops should be surrendered to the Ameri- 
cans. While the articles of capitulation were under discus- 
sion, the British were actually engaged in destroying all the 
public property, while an opportunity was given to General 



220 Abstracts from 

Sheaffe to escape with a considerable portion of his regulars. 
About three o'clock, possession was taken of the town. Pike, 
in his general orders, had forbidden, any of his men to vio- 
late private property, on pain of death. The order was strictly 
obeyed, although there existed cause of much exasperation, 
In the State House, a singular trophy was found over the 
Speaker's mace — it was no other than a human scalp! On 
such a fact no commentary is necessary. After this, how 
could any regard to the laws of honourable war, be expected 
from Great Britain? — After this insult to all civilization and 
humanity! 

General Dearborne, did not assume the command, until 
after possession was taken of the place. Having taken mea- 
sures for securing the captured stores, and the prisoners who 
amounted to about eight hundred, he ordered the place to be 
evacuated, and soon after re-embarked his troops. Essential 
service was rendered by commodore Chauncey, in covering 
the landing and in annoying the enemy's batteries. The 
American loss in killed and wounded, amounted to two hun- 
dred and sixty-nine, that of the British to nine hundred and 
thirty men, including prisoners. 

On the return to Sackett's Harbour; preparations were 
made for the attack on Fort George, and the British strong- 
holds on the Niagara, which had been vainly attempted the 
year before. All things being made ready, the army embark- 
ed on board the fleet, and on the twenty-second of May, 
sailed on the contemplated enterprise. The landing took place 
on the twenty-seventh of the same month. Commodore 
Chauncey placed his vessels in the best position for annoying 
the batteries and forts of the enemy, while the transports for 
crossing the invading army, passed the river. General Dear- 
borne, at this time in very ill-health, issued his orders from 
his bed, and the immediate direction of the attack, was en- 
trusted to General Lewis, the next in command. Generals 
Chandler, Winder, and Boyd, with their respective brigades, 
advanced to the shore with unshaken firmness, under a heavy 
fire. The advance under Colonel's Scott and Forsyth, having 
effected a landing, and being assisted by the fire from the 
ships, soon cleared the batteries. But the British throwing 
themselves into a ravine, completely arrested for a time, the 
progress of the Americans. After a warm engagement, they 
were at last compelled to retire, and the whole line of forti- 
fications was abandoned. As soon as a sufficient force was 
formed, they advanced to the assault of Fort George, which 
they found hastily abandoned with the flag still flying, which 



The History of the War. 221 

was torn down by Colonel Scott and Major Hindman. The 
retreating enemy was pursued some distance by Captain Rid- 
dle and some other active officers. Upwards of five hundred 
Canadian militia surrendered their arms, and were permitted 
to depart on parole; one hundred and eight of the regulars 
were killed, and two hundred and seventy-six wounded and 
taken prisoners. The loss on our side was thirty-nine killed, 
and one hundred and eleven wounded. The next day, Fort 
Erie and all the remaining British fortifications were blown 

The British collecting all their forces, amounting to about 
one thousand three hundred men, retreated towards the 
head of the lake, at the upper end of Burlington Bay. If 
closely pursued, they must inevitably fall into the hands of 
the Americans, and thus would be terminated the contest 
along the North Western frontier. On the first of June, 
Generals Chandler and Winder, were despatched with near- 
ly double the force, to effect this all-important object. This 
force advanced to Stony Creek, where they encamped in ex- 
pectation of being able to overtake the enemy the next day. 
These finding no hope of escaping but through a night attack, 
about one o'clock the same night rushed suddenly upon the 
main guard, and raising a dreadful shout, ran towards the 
main body of the Americans, who were lying on their arms, 
and being roused by this, the twenty-fifth regiment was in- 
stantly formed and gave the enemy the first fire. But the 
darkness of the night, and the clouds of smoke, rendering it 
impossible to distinguish objects, some confusion ensued. A 
number of the British became intermixed with the American 
artillerists, and the two American generals, while endeavour- 
ing to ascertain the cause, were taken prisoners. At day- 
break, the American army was found entire, but the enemy 
had retreated in great disorder, their spirits completely bro- 
ken by this unexpected reception, and now giving up ail for 
lost. Unfortunately for us, no officer was left in command, 
whose station was such as to warrant the responsibility of 
pursuing the vanquished enemy. Colonel Burn, on a consul- 
tation with his officers, resolved on a retreat, which was ef- 
fected, and the British under General Vincent, soon after 
receiving reinforcements were enabled to maintain their 
ground. 

The absence of commodore Chauncey, and the American 
forces from Sackett's Harbour, had well nigh given an op- 
portunity to the British of retaliating the capture of York. 
Towards the latter end of May, the British squadron, with 



;222 Abstracts from 

about one thousand two hundred men, suddenly appeared 
before the harbour. The alarm was instantly given, and the 
regulars and militia posted in the neighbourhood, hastened 
to the aid of those left to defend the place, which did not 
amount to one half the number of the assailants. The com- 
mand was assumed by General Brown, of the militia. The 
militia under Colonel Mills, posted to oppose their landing, 
after one fire, fled in the most shameful manner, in spite of 
the efforts of their commander. A more efficient resistance 
was made by the regulars under Colonel Baccus, and Majors 
Lavalle and Aspinwall, but who were compelled to retreat. 
In the meantime, General Brown having rallied the militia, 
fell on the enemy's rear, and compelled them to fly with great 
precipitation, and utterly discomfited. The American loss 
was about one hundred and fifty in killed and wounded; that 
of the British at least double that number. Sir George Pre- 
vost, the Governor of Canada retired, leaving his laurels be- 
hind him. Had this attack proved successful, the loss to the 
United States, would have been immense, as this place was 
the store-house of all their military supplies, both for the 
naval and land service. A considerable quantity of public 
stores were unfortunately destroyed by our own officers, un- 
der a belief that the enemy had obtained possession of the 
place. 

In the midst of these occurrences, which in general wore 
so brilliant an appearance, we experienced a severe reverse. 
General Lewis, who assumed the command after the resig- 
nation of General Dearborne, finding himself infested by se- 
veral large detachments of the enemy in the neighbourhood 
of Fort George, where he had fixed his head-quarters, or- 
dered Colonel Boerstler to march with about five hundred 
men and disperse one of these at a place called La Louvre 
house. The Colonel had not proceeded half way, when he 
was assailed in front and rear by the British and Indians, and 
was compelled for sometime to contend against very superior 
numbers. He was at last induced to surrender his whole 
force, greatly to the chagrin of the Americans at being thus 
thrown away to no purpose. But for this affair, the opening 
of the campaign in this quarter would have been regarded as 
far transcending our warmest expectations of success. 

About this time, the Six Nations declared war against the 
British, with a formal proclamation, and entered into an alli- 
ance with the United States, stipulating, however, to de- 
nounce their barbarous usages in battle, which they faithfully 
kept. 



The History of the War. 223 

We now turn our attention for a moment to the Westward, 
and the operations along the frontier of the Ohio. In that 
quarter a most glorious victory crowned our arms early in 
the month of August. Until that time, fort Meigs had re- 
mained unmolested, while the Americans waited for the re- 
sult of the naval war on lake Erie, before the adoption of 
any ulterior movement. Proctor, desirous of embarrassing 
the preparations of Harrison, and of opening the frontier to 
the inroads of his allies the savages, giving them an oppor- 
tunity of murdering the sleeping babe and helpless female, 
determined to destroy the different forts which covered the 
settlements. Fort Stephenson, on the Sandusky, was the first 
selected. To cover his real intention, he sent Tecumseh to 
make a push on fort Meigs, while he appeared before St. 
Stephenson, and demanded it to surrender. The officer com- 
manding, was a youth of twenty-one years of age, major 
Croghan, who had already distinguished himself at the siege 
of fort Meigs. He had received orders to abandon this place 
on the approach of the enemy, but taking all responsibility 
upon himself, he boldly set the threats of the ungenerous 
enemy at defiance. The fort was surrounded with pickets and 
a ditch about six feet wide. The assailants consisting of 
regulars and Indians, to the number of 800, commenced the 
attack with several pieces of artillery, with which they at- 
tempted to make a breach. But those within secured the 
point at which the artillery was directed, by placing bags of 
sand and even of flour. They now resolved to attempt the 
place by storm. Col. Short, with a column of 350 men, taking 
advantage of the smoke, presented himself at the point before 
mentioned, and crying out to his men to follow him, and to 

give the d d Yankees no quarters, landed in the ditch 

with nearly half of his men. His progress was sooner arrest- 
ed than he could have expected. The Americans, who were 
chiefly young volunteers, had carefully concealed a six pound- 
er, the only one which they possessed in the bastion, which 
protected that part of the ditch: the match was put to it, and 
being loaded with slugs and musket balls, instantly cut the 
savage assailants to pieces; not one escaped from the fatal 
place; a just dispensation of Providence for their wicked in- 
tentions. The rolling musketry at the same time, produced 
great havoc among those who were still on the outside. The 
assailants fled, pursued by indescribable terror, while the 
Indians followed without daring to cast a glance behind. 
During the night, irregular firing was kept up, while the hu- 
mane and generous Americans did every thing in their power 



224 Abstracts from 

to relieve the wounded in the ditch. The next morning the 
enemy disappeared in haste, leaving behind a considerable 
quantity of public stores- The loss of the British exceeded 
200 men, while the Americans was only a few wounded, and 
that while engaged in offering relief to the sufferers. 

Croghan and his brave comrades, captain Hunter, lieuten- 
ants Johnson, Baylor, Meeks and Anthony, were hailed with 
the loudest plaudits of their country. The first received the 
brevet rank of lieutenant-colonel in the regular service. The 
Indians, after this defeat, were so disgusted with their allies, 
that they were about to abandon them. The frontier was com- 
pletely protected from further molestation. 



Capture of the British squadron on Lake Erie — Defeat of 
Proctor. 

Commodore Perry, whose name now adorns the page of 
our history, was entrusted, at the commencement of the 
spring, with the important task of creating a force to oppose 
the British, who since the surrender of Hull, had rode, tri- 
umphant on Lake Erie. The trees that grew on its shores 
were commanded to descend upon the waves, and bear our 
sailors to meet the haughty foe. By the last of August a fleet 
was provided, consisting of the following vessels, the Law- 
rence of 21, Niagara of 20, the Caledonian of 3, the Scorpion 
and Somers, each of 2, Ariel of 4, Tigress, Trippe and Por- 
cupine, each of lj in all amounting to 59 guns. 

The British fleet, under commodore Barclay, consisted of 
the Detroit, 1 9 guns; Queen Charlotte, 17; Lady Prevost, 
13; Hunter, 10; Little Belt, 3; Chippewa, 1; in all 69 guns. 
This fleet was consequently superior in force to that of the 
Americans, although on their side there was a difference in 
the number of ships. 

No sooner was the American commodore on the lake, than 
he went in pursuit of his antagonist, who felt no wish to de- 
cline the meeting. This, however, did not take place until 
the 12th of September, near Put-in-bay. The American 
squadron at anchor, perceiving the British bearing down upon 
them, got under way. The American flagship the Lawrence, 
outsailed the rest of the squadron, and came to close quar- 
ters with the Queen Charlotte and the Detroit. Against 
these two vessels the contest was heroically maintained for 
two hours, until every gun was rendered useless, and nearly 



The History of the War. 225 

all on board either killed or wounded. At this critical mo- 
ment, the other American vessels which had been kept back, 
were coming up, and the commodore with admirable cool- 
ness, embarked in his boat with the intention of shifting his 
flag to the Niagara. This was executed in the midst of a 
heavy fire. Captain Elliot immediately seconded his views, 
and while Perry led up this vessel in a handsome style, volun- 
teered to bring the other vessels into action. The commo- 
dore breaking through the enemy's line, poured out such 
tremendous broadsides as soon compelled the two largest 
vessels to strike, and the flag of the Lawrence, which had 
been hauled down, was again hoisted. The remainder of the 
American fleet coming up, the action in a few minutes termi- 
nated in the capture of the whole British squadron, a thing 
almost unexampled in naval warfare. 

" We have met the enemy," said commodore Perry, and 
they are ours; two ships, two brigs, one schr. and one sloop." 
The number of prisoners exceeded that of the captors. 
Twenty-six Americans were killed, and 96 wounded. Lieu- 
tenant Brooks, of the marines, was killed, as also several 
valuable American officers. The captain and first lieutenant 
of the Queen Charlotte were killed; Commodore Barclay 
was severely wounded. The conduct of the victors to the un- 
fortunate was on this occasion marked by its usual humanity 
and generosity. 

By this event the field of glory was laid open to general 
Harrison, and the brave volunteers of Kentucky and Ohio. 
The choicest troops of the West were already collected for 
the purpose of following up the success of Perry, if it should 
please Providence to award it. The venerable governor of 
Kentucky, Samuel Shelby, was at the head of the volunteers 
of that state, accompanied by the first men of the common- 
wealth. The troops being taken on board the fleet were trans- 
ported to the Canada side, where they found the villages and 
forts evacuated. Proctor having fled in dismay up the 
Thames. After leaving general M' Arthur to take command 
at Detroit, general Harrison, at the head of about 3000 men, 
commenced a rapid march in pursuit of the fugitive army. 
In a few days he gained upon them so rapidly as to capture 
considerable quantities of their stores. 

On the 5th of October, it was discovered that near the 
Moravian towns, within a few miles march, they were drawn 
up in battle array. Having formed his troops into two lines, 
consisting of Desha and Trotter's brigades, under general 
Henry, with the mounted men of colonel Johnson in front, 

G g 



226 Abstracts from 

he advanced against the enemy, who were found drawn up 
between the river and a marsh, with the Indians under Te- 
cumseh, in the thick brushwood of the swamp. It suddenly 
suggested itself to general Harrison, to make a charge with 
his mounted men through the British infantry, drawn up 
among the open beach wood. Fortune awarded the most 
complete success to this suggestion. Johnson suddenly dash- 
ed through their ranks, formed in their rear, and was pre- 
paring to give them a fire with the deadly rifle, when they 
surrendered. With the Indians the contest was more obsti- 
nate; they at first made some impression upon the American 
infantry, when governor Shelby brought up a regiment to 
their support. The Indians fought desperately as long as the 
loud and terrible shout of Tecumseh, encouraging them to 
persist, could be heard; but already his days were numbered. 
Colonel Johnson led a charge on the Indians at the spot 
where it was supposed the most obstinate resistance was 
made. A hundred rifles aimed at him; he was covered with 
blood and wounds; his horse was about to drop under him, 
when Tecumseh, with savage ferocity sprung towards him, 
and was about to level his rifle, when the colonel lodged a 
pistol ball in his breast. The daring American was in an in- 
stant brought off by his countrymen, and the Indians fled. 

General Proctor had in the mean time made his escape by 
means of swift horses. 

The conduct of the Kentuckians, who had been vilely slan- 
dered by Proctor, was magnanimous in the highest degree. 
They returned not evil for evil, but to the prisoners in their 
possession, many of whom had participated in the horrid 
murders of the river Raisin, they were humane and attentive. 
The immediate consequence of the defeat of the allies, and 
the death of Tecumseh, was a cessation of hostilities on the 
part of the savages; they came in and agreed to take up the 
hatchet on the side of the United States. The whole of the 
North Western Territory was once more in the possession of 
the Americans, with the exception of Michilimackinac, which 
was not given up until the close of the war. The volunteers 
and militia returned to their homes, and general Harrison 
was at liberty with the remainder of the troops to co-operate 
with the forces on the Niagara. 

Commodore Chauncey, at this time was master of lake 
Ontario. He had repeatedly attempted to bring his antago- 
nist to action, but in vain. Several running fights, however, 
took place, in which the British knight displayed great naval 
skill in making his escape. This shyness was not a little in- 



The History of the War. 227 

creased by the victory obtained by commodore Perry; in fact, 
after this occurrence, he studiously avoided coming to action 
with but a superiority so decided as to leave no doubt of the 
result. 

The nation was in the highest degree delighted with the 
glorious termination of the Western war. Fortune appeared 
to smile upon their arms at last. Canada must now be ours. 
The administration, anxious to gratify the public expecta- 
tions, lost no time in making the attempt. The general in 
command was an old and experienced officer of acknowledged 
abilities; General Wilkinson had been ordered from the south, 
and in the course of the summer had assumed the directions 
of the military operations on the Niagara; while general 
Hampton, another officer of experience, took command of the 
forces at Plattsburgh. The secretary, general Armstrong, 
possessed the confidence of the nation for his capacity and 
the vigorous measures which he seemed to adopt. This offi- 
cer, in order to be near the field of action, and direct the 
movements of the army, established his office near the fron- 
tier. 

The army of general Wilkinson, in the month of October, 
was transferred to Sacket's Harbour, leaving but a small 
number of troops on the Niagara, where general Harrison 
did not arrive until some time after his departure. The des- 
tination of the army was studiously concealed. Such disposi- 
tions were made, however, as induced the enemy to believe, 
that the. design was to attack Kingston, while the intention 
was in reality to descend the river St. Lawrence, and forming 
a junction with general Hampton, proceed directly to Mon- 
treal, thus completely girdling the tree, and mastering all 
Upper Canada. The season, however, was almost too far ad- 
vanced, and this although practicable the first year, had be- 
come much more difficult from the time which had been 
allowed the enemy to discipline their militia, augment their 
forces, and fortify the river. 

It was not before the third of November, that general Wil- 
kinson could get fairly under way, while he began already to 
experience the severity of the season. The British were 
anxiously watching his movements. Choosing a dark night, 
he passed the fortified post called Prescott, but not undisco- 
vered: in his descent he was a good deal annoyed by their 
musketry, and the next morning they were found hanging 
upon his rear with all the force that could be collected. Hav- 
ing to pass the rapids of the river, of about eight miles in 
length, general Brown was detached with a considerable 



228 Abstracts from 

force to clear the way for the passage of the flotilla. This 
was not effected without considerable difficulty; general 
Brown, after a smart skirmish, dispersed the enemy, but it 
being too late to proceed, the flotilla lay by for the night. In 
the morning, when about to proceed, a considerable force 
was discovered in the rear on the Canada side; a halt was 
therefore commanded, while general Boyd was ordered to 
face about, with his brigade and beat off the enemy. The 
Americans were drawn up in three columns, commanded by 
generals Covington, Swartout, and Coles. After a warm ac- 
tion which lasted an hour, in which the enemy was obliged 
to give way before the bayonet, they were at length compel- 
led to retreat. The Americans having expended their am- 
munition, were obliged to make a retrograde movement. A 
violent storm arose about the same time, which together with 
the approach of night, contributed to clear the field of battle. 
From the place in which it was fought, this has been called 
the battle of Chrystler's field; on the American side there 
were about 1600; the force of the British was about the 
same. The Americans loss was 339 in killed and wounded; 
among the former, general Covington, a brave and gallant 
officer. The enemy's loss is supposed to have been still great- 
er. There is no doubt of their defeat, as they were thence- 
forth compelled to suffer the Americans to continue their 
course unmolested. General Wilkinson, on reaching Og- 
densburg, had sent orders to general Hampton to meet him 
at St. Regis, at which place he had now arrived, but without 
finding him. This officer, from the disclosure made to him 
of the state of general Wilkinson's supplies, and from the 
distance he would be placed from his magazines, together 
with the great difficulties of transportation on account of the 
badness of the roads, had concluded to take upon himself the 
responsibility of consulting these circumstances. He had 
therefore attempted to penetrate to the St. Lawrence in ano- 
ther direction, but without success, and after falling back was 
then at a place called the Four Corners, where he waited the 
orders of the commander in chief, professing still a willing- 
ness to co-operate in any plan he might adopt. Thus termi- 
nated the mighty invasion of Canada, from which so much 
was expected. The commanding general threw the blame on 
Hampton, and the secretary at war on both. But the truth 
is, the season had been too far advanced, and the force was 
not sufficient for the contemplated enterprise. The disap- 
pointment to the nation, however, tended to bring into dis- 



The History of the War, 229 

credit the leaders in this campaign, which turned out so bar- 
ren of glory. The army retired into winter quarters. 

This military movement was calculated only on success; 
no allowance was made for the possibility of a failure. It3 
bad effects were soon experienced. General Harrison had 
received orders to move down the St. Lawrence and join the 
army, the whole Niagara frontier was therefore left unpro- 
tected. General M'Clure, who was left in command at Fort 
George, finding that the enemy was approaching in consider- 
able numbers, blew up the fort and evacuated the Canada 
side; at the same time burning the village of Newark, situate 
near the fort; an act at the time universally censured and 
lamented in the United States, and which the government 
took the earliest opportunity to disavow. It seems the gene- 
ral had received orders to burn the village, in case it should 
be found necessary for defence; misconceiving these orders, 
he sat fire to the place on his departure. His conduct was 
submitted to a court of inquiry, who passed a severe censure 
on it. The British, not content with this, crossed the river in 
considerable force, took fort Niagara by surprize, put the 
garrison to death, and then laid waste with fire and sword, 
the whole frontier for ten or fifteen miles. The flourishing 
village of Buffaloe was laid in ashes, together with several 
others. It was aftewards declared by sir George Prevost, 
that he was satisfied with this ample measure of retaliation. 



Glorious events of the War — British defeated at Plattsburgh* 

The nation was consoled by the noble defence of Balti- 
more, for its former disgraces, and joy was visible in every 
countenance, while every village and city was lighted up with 
brilliant illuminations. It was not long before these rejoic- 
ings were revived by a splendid double victory achieved on 
the water and on the land. 

We have already mentioned the departure of General Izard 
from Plattsburg, and that General M'Comb was left in com- 
mand, with little better than one thousand four hundred re- 
gulars, many of whom were invalids. Towards the latter end 
of August, sir George Prevost had collected an army of as 
many thousands, chiefly veteran troops, with a view, as it 
has been since ascertained, of penetrating to the Hudson, and 
cutting off the Northern from the Southern State9, and thus 



■ 230 Abstracts from 

bringing about a severance of the Union. A mighty scheme, 
but which could only originate in an extreme ignorance of 
the genius and character of the American people. Sir George, 
about the first of September, past into the American territo- 
ry, while at the same time, a squadron under Captain Downie, 
entered Lake Champlain. 

Geneal M'Comb and commodore M'Donough, were not 
idle in making every preparation, to oppose the most effec- 
tual resistance to this formidable enemy. A body of militia 
under General Moers, of New York, and also another from 
Vermont, under General Strong, added to the strength of 
the place, while the militia called in from all quarters were 
daily arriving. The naval commander was equally industri- 
ous; as an instance of the wonderful exertion made on this 
important occasion, he added a brig to his force, before 
greatly inferior to the enemy's, in the short period ot twenty 
days, the timber of which was actually growing on the Lake, 
when the work was begun. The females and children, and 
every thing valuable that could be removed, were sent out of 
the way, and all persons capable of bearing arms, were pro- 
vided with muskets to aid in repelling the invaders of their 
altars and firesides. Even boys were armed, and forming 
themselves into a company were found efficient on the day ot 
battle. General Moers, Colonel Appling, Major Wood, and 
Captain Sproul, were sent forward at the head of detach- 
ments, to meet the advancing foe. They contributed not a 
little in retarding and embarrassing the movements of the 
enemy, and gave proof that they would not be found want- 
in the hour of severer trial. It was not until the tenth that 
sir George reached Pittsburgh, and took possession of the 
village, while the Americans retreated to their defences on 
the opposite side of the river Saranac, having taken ur 
the planks of the bridges. Here the British remained almost 
inactive for several days, waiting no doubt, the arrival of 
their squadron, intended to capture the American ships. Nu- 
merous skirmishes, however, occtired daily. 

On the eleventh, early in the morning, the look out boats 
of commodore M'Donough at last espied the approach of 
Captain Downie, in order of battle. His line consisted of the 
frigate Confiance, thirty nine guns; the brig Linnet, of six- 
teen guns; the sloops Chub and Finch, eleven guns each; and 
thirteen gallies a five of which carried two; and the others one 
gun each. The American squadron consisted of the Saratoga, 
twenty-six guns; the Eagle, twenty guns; the Ticonderoga, 
seventeen guns; the Preble, seven guns, and ten gallies, s?x 



The History of the War. 231 

of which had two guns, the others one. It lay moored in a 
line in the bay of Pittsburgh, having on each flank a divi- 
sion of gun boats. At ten o'clock Captain Downie ranged his 
ships directly abreast of the American line, within three hun- 
dred yards; the Confiance opposed to the Saratoga, and the 
Linnet to the Eagle. Dreadful was the thundering battle 
which now ensued: havoc and death ruled the frightful fray. 
About ten the Eagle changed her position, for one conceived 
by her commander to be more favourable, but the Saratoga 
maintained her perilous position, opposed to a ship of vastly 
superior force; nearly all the guns of this vessel, upon whose 
success hung the fate of the battle, being dismounted, an ef- 
fort was made to swing her round, that her other broadside 
might be brought to bear. Providence favoured the attempt: 
the same experiment was tried by the Confiance, but without 
success; on perceiving this, she was compelled to strike. The 
vessel opposed to the Eagle had already struck, and drifted 
out of the line. Three of the gallies had gone to the bottom 
of the Lake, the others effected their escape, although heavy 
laden with disgrace. Thus, after an action of two hours, a 
second British squadron was compelled to humble itself be- 
fore the strength of American freedom and justice. 

This sublime naval combat, took place in the view of both 
armies; the hearts of all were filled with deep anxiety for the 
result. On beholding the consummation, the British were 
struck with horror and grief, while the Americans were ela- 
ted beyond the expression of words. The Americans had one 
hundred and fifty one in killed and wounded. Of the enemy 
two hundred were killed and wounded, among the former 
Captain Downie. The number of men engaged on the Ame- 
rican side was eight hundred and twenty, on the British one 
thousand and fifty; so that the prisoners alone, exceeded the 
number of the Americans. The Americans had eighty-four 
guns, the British ninety -five. 

At the commencement of the engagement, the British 
bombs on shore were opened on the American works, and 
together with rockets, continued to be throw n until night. In 
the midst of this, an attempt was made by the enemy, in three 
divisions, to pass the Saranac, but they were completely de- 
feated by the United States regular troops and militia. One 
of these, at the ford above the village, was repelled by mili- 
tia and volunteers, after a very hot engagement, and with 
great loss to the enemy. At dusk they withdrew their artil- 
lery, and at nine in the evening, having sent off their bag- 
ga^e, they retired with the utmost precipitation. The next 



232 Abstract from The History of the War. 

morning, Plattsburgh was found entirely evacuated. The 
defeat of these haughty invaders was complete; they left be» 
hind them all their sick and wounded, together with immense 
quantities of military stores, and camp equipage. They were 
immediately pursued, but having already had the start by 
many hours, none but stragglers could be overtaken. Nume- 
rous deserters, however, came over to the American side; in 
one body, four hundred men preceded by music, came into 
head quarters. The loss ol the enemy in killed, wounded and 
missing, in this mighty expedition, which was to have shaken 
the American republic to its centre, was upwards of three 
thousand, and almost equal to the American force* 



LESSONS IN GEOGRAPHY. 

Geography is a description of the earth: the earth is a large 
globe or sphere, computed to be about eight hundred square 
miles in diameter, and in circumference nearly twenty-five 
thousand miles. 

There are two great divisions of land; the eastern and 
western continents: and five great divisions of water; the Pa- 
cific, Atlantic, Indian, Northern and Southern Oceans; the 
number of inhabitants on the globe is estimated at eight hun- 
dred millions. 

Explanation of Terms. 

A map is a picture of the whole, or part of the surface of 
the earth; the top of the map is the north part, the bottom 
the south, the right the east, and the left the west. 

The axis of the earth is an imaginary line, conceived to 
pass through its centre, one extremity of which is called the 
North or Arctic, and the other the South or Antarctic pole. 

I. A continent is a large tract of land, not separated by 
the sea, as Europe, America, &c. 

II. An ocean is a vast collection of water, not separated 
by land, as the Atlantic, &c. 

III. A sea is a smaller collection of water, communicating 
with the ocean; as the Mediterranean, the Baltic, &c. 

IV. An island is a tract of land surrounded by water, as 
Great Britain, Ireland, &c. 

V. A lake is water surrounded by land; as lake Superior, 
Ontario, &c. 

VI. A cape is a point of land running far into the sea; as 
the Cape of Good Hope, &c. 

VII. A bay is a part of the ocean running far into the land; 
as the Bay of Biscay, &c. 

VIII. A peninsula is land almost surrounded with water, 
as Kamskatka. 

IX. A gulf is a part of the sea almost surrounded with 
land; as the Gulf of Venice. 

X. An isthmus is a narrow part of land, which joins the 
peninsula to any country; as the Isthmus of Darien. 

XI. A strait is a narrow passage from one sea to another, 
as the Straits of Gibraltar, 

H h 



234 Synopsis of th e 

The United States are bounded north by the British pos- 
sessions, east by New Brunswick and the Atlantic, south by 
the Gulf of Mexico and Mexico, west by Mexico and the 
Pacific Ocean. 

They are thus divided as respects their situation and local 
jurisdiction. 

I. The New England states are Maine, New Hampshire, 
Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island; 
six states. 

II. The middle states are New York, New Jersey, Penn- 
sylvania, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois, with the Michigan and 
North West Territories; six states and two territories. 

III. The southern states are Delaware, Maryland, Virgi- 
nia, District of Columbia, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ten- 
nessee, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and 
the Territories of East and West Florida; ten states and two 
territories. 

IV. The western states are Louisiana, and Missouri, and 
the Arkansas, and Missouri Territories; two states and two 
territories. 

Population, 1820, 10,053,166. 

Its government is vested in a president and congress, who 
are all elected by the people: each state is a republic, and has 
its representative voice in the congress, who have the super- 
intending care of the Union. 

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA* 

Comprehends Georgetown and the city of Washington; 
Washington is its capital, and the metropolis of the Union; 
it is situated on the left bank of the river Potomac, and in 
latitude 38° 54/ W. L. from London; being intended for a 
first meridian. The Tyber runs through the city; the ground 
on which it stands, was ceded to the United States by the 
state of Maryland, and the foundation of the capital laid in 
presence of president Washington, 16th September, 1793; 
seat of government was removed there from Philadelphia, 
in the year 1800, during the presidency of John Adams; 
length and breadth ten miles; 1825, population, thirty-three 
thousand. 

* I have departed from the arrangement of this district in other lessons 
of geography, because Columbia being the capital of the Union, and in- 
tended for the first meridian, it is conceived a3 now entitled to the prioritv 
: n DURJorical order..— E. 



Geography of the United State?... 235 

MAINE. 

Admitted in the Union 1820; boundaries, N, Lower Ca- 
nada; S. Atlantic Ocean; E. New Brunswick; W. New 
Hampshire; length two hundred miles; breadth two hundred 
miles; latitude 45° N. longitude 68° W.; number of inhabi- 
tants, 1820, 297,839. 

Counties. — York, Cumberland, Lincoln, Hancock, Kenne- 
beck, Washington, Oxford, and Somerset. 

Chief towns. — Portland, York, Bath, Wiscasset, Hallowell, 
Machias, Waldeborough, Penobscot. 

Productions, — Lumber, wheat, rye, barley, oats, Indian 
corn, hemp, flax, and hops. 

Rivers, —Penobscot, Kennebeck, Saco, St. Croix, Andro- 
scoggin. 

Lakes.-— Moosehead, Scoodic, Sebacook, and Umbagoog. 



NEW HAMPSHIRE. 

Boundaries. — N. Lower Canada; S. Massachusetts; E. 
District of Maine; W. Connecticut River, dividing it from 
Vermont; length 168, breadth from 19 to 90 miles; latitude 
43* 56' N. longitude 71° 34' W. Number of inhabitants, 
1820, 244,161. 

Counties. — Rockingham, Stafford, Cheshire, Hillsborough, 
Coos, Grafton. 

Chief towns. — Portsmouth, Exeter, Concord, Keen, Am- 
herst, Charleston, Plymouth, Haverhill. 

Colleges. — Dartmouth. 

Productions. — Indian corn, poultry, beef, mutton, pork, 
butter, cheese, wheat, rye, barley, flax, hops, hemp, lumber, 
fish. 

Mountains. — Blue Hills, Chocorua, Ossipee, Kyarsorge, 
Monadnick, Mount Washington. 

Rivers. — Connecticut, Merrimack, Piscataqua, Saco, An- 
droscoggin, Amanoosuck. 

Lakes, — Winipisiokee, Sunapre, and Squam. 



236 Sijnopsis of the 

VERMONT. 

Boundaries. — N. Lower Canada; S. Massachusetts; E. 
Connecticut River; W. New York; length 157, breadth 65 
miles; latitude 45° 52' N. longitude 72° 28'. Number, of in- 
habitants, 1820, 235,764. 

Counties. — Windsor, Windham, Orange, Caledonia, Es- 
sex, Bennington, Rutland, Addison, Chittenden, Franklin, 
Orleans, Grand Isle. 

Chief towns. — Rutland, Windsor, Bennington, Middlebu- 
ry, Vergennes, Burlington. 

Productions. — Grain, horses, beef, pork, butter, cheese, 
iron, nails, pot and pearl ash, &c. 

Manufactures. — Iron, clothing, maple, sugar, &c. 
Mountains. — The Green Mountains. 
Rivers. — Otter Creek, Onion River, La Moiile, Michis- 
coni, Wantastiquek, White River. 



MASSACHUSETTS. 

Boundaries. — N. New Hampshire and Vermont; S. Con- 
necticut, Rhode Island, and the Ocean; E. the Atlantic; W. 
New York; length 150, breadth 68 miles; latitude 42° 32' 
N. longitude 72 c W. Number of inhabitants, 1820, 521,725. 

Counties. — Suffolk, Norfolk, Essex, Middlesex, Hamp- 
shire, Plymouth, Barnstable, Bristol, Worcester,, Berkshire, 
Hampden, Duke, Nantucket, Suffolk, and Franklin. 

Chief Towns. — Boston, Salem, Lynn, Newburyport, Be- 
verley, Worcester, Plymouth, Charleston, Springfield, Con- 
cord, and New Bedford. 

Universities. — Cambridge. 

Productions. — Fish, lumber, corn, beef, barley, wheat, rye. 

Manufactures. — Nails, paper, sailcloth, wool cards, cotton, 
lace, powder. 

Mountains. — Waschusset. &c. 

Rivers. — Connecticut, Merrimack, Mystic, Charles River. 

Bays. — Massachusetts, Boston, Plymouth, Barnstable, and 
Buzzards. 



Geography of the United States . 227 

RHODE ISLAND. 

Boundaries. — N. and E. Massachusetts; S. the Atlantic; 
W. Connecticut; length 40, breadth 30 miles; latitude 41«> 
35' N. longitude 71° 22' W. Number of inhabitants, 1820, 
83,059. 

Counties. — Newport, Providence, Washington, Bristol, 
Kent. 

Chief towns.— Newport, Providence, Bristol, Warren, 
Warwick. 

College. — Providence. 

Productions. — Live stock, lumber, corn, wheat, oats, fruits. 

Manufactures. — Iron, cheese, nails, cotton, jeans, velvets. 

Rivers. — Providence, Taunton. 



CONNECTICUT. 

Boundaries. — N. Massachusetts; S. Long Island Sound; 
E. Rhode Island; W. New York; length 100, breadth 72 
miles; latitude 41° 31' N. longitude 72° 17'. Number of in- 
habitants, 1820, 275,248. 

Connties. — Fairfield, Newhaven, Middlesex, New London, 
Litchfield, Hartford, Tolland, Windham. 

Chief towns. — New Haven, Hartford, New London, Mid- 
dleton, Norwich, Danbury, Fairfield, Litchfield, New Mil- 
ford. 

College. — Yale college, at New Haven. 

Productions. — Indian corn, rye, wheat, oats, barley, flax, 
onions, hemp. 

Manufactures. — Linen, buttons, woolens, glass, iron, lea- 
ther, paper, hats, candles, &c. 

Rivers. — Connecticut, Thames, Housatonik, East River. 



NEW YORK. 

Boundaries. — N. Canada and Lake Ontario; S. Pennsyl- 
vania and New Jersey; E. Connecticut, Massachusetts, Ver- 
mont, and Lake Champlain; W. New Jersey, Pennsylvania, 
and part of Lake Erie; length 350, breadth 300 miles; latitude 
42° 50' N. longitude 70° 35' W. number of inhabitants, 1820, 
1,372,812. 

Counties — New York, Richmond, Suffolk, West Chester, 
Queen's, King's, Orange, Ulster, Dutchess, Columbia, Rens- 



238 Synopsis of the 

selaer, Washington, Clinton, Saratoga, Albany, Montgomery, 
Herkemer, Onandago, Otsego, Ontario, Tioga, Steuben, 
Oneida, Chenango, Essex, Rockland, Delaware, Green, Cay- 
uga, Schoharie, Gennesset, Alleghany, Broome, Cattaraugus, 
Chataque, Cortland, Erie, Franklin, Hamilton, Jefferson, 
Sullivan, Tompkins, Lewis, Livingston, Madison, Monroe, 
Niagara, Oswego, Putnam, Seneca, St. Lawrence, Warren. 

Chief Towns — New York, Albany, Hudson, Poughkeep- 
sie, Lansinburgh, Kingston, Troy, Schenectady, Utica, Sagg 
Harbour 

Colleges — Columbia College, in New York; Union Col- 
lege, in Schenectady. 

Productions — Wheat, Flour, Corn, Peas, Flax, Timber, 

Manufactures — Iron, Glass, Paper, Pot, and Pearl-ash, &c. 

Mountains — Alleghany Mountains. 

Rivers — Hudson, East, Mohawk, Gennessee. 

Lakes — Otsego, Oneida, George, Seneca, Cayuga, Salt and 
Chautaughque Rivers. 

Islands — York, Long and Staten Islands. 



NEW JERSEY. 

Boundaries — N. New York; S. the Atlantic; E. the ocean 
and Hudson's River; W. Delaware River, which separates 
it from Pennsylvania; length 160. breadth 50 miles; latitude 
40° 12' N. longitude 74° 20' W. Number of inhabitants, 
1820, 575,277. 

Counties — Cape May, Cumberland, Salem, Gloucester, 
Burlington, Hunderton, Sussex, Bergen, Essex, Middlesex, 
Monmouth, Somerset, Morris. 

Chief Towns— Trenton, Burlington, Elizabethtown, Bruns- 
wick, Newark, Bordentown, Salem, City of Jersey, Wood- 
bury, &c. 

College — Nassau Hall, Princeton. 

Productions — Wheat, Rye, Corn, Buckwheat, Oats, Bar- 
ley, Iron, Flax, Fruits, Pork. 

Manufactures — Paper, Iron, Nails, Leather, Bricks, Sugar 
Moulds, Earthenware, &c. 

Rivers — Delaware, Raritan, Passaick, Hackensack, Mau- 
rice. 



Geography of the United States. 23y 

PENNSYLVANIA. 

Boundaries. — N. New York; S. Delaware, Maryland, and 
Virginia; E. Delaware River and part of New York; W. 
State of Ohio and part of Virginia; length 288, breadth 156 
miles; latitude 40° 51' N. longitude 77° 28' W. Number of 
inhabitants, 1820, 1,049,458. 

Counties. — Philadelphia, Chester, Delaware, Bucks, Mont- 
gomery, Berks, Lancaster, Dauphin, Northampton, Luzerne, 
York, Cumberland, Northumberland, Franklin, Bedford, 
Huntingdon, Mifflin, Westmoreland, Somerset, Fayette, 
Washington, Alleghany, Lycoming, Green, Wayne, Adams, 
Centre, Beaver, Butler, Mercer, Crawford, Erie, Warren, 
Venango, Armstrong, Lehigh, Union, Columbia, Lebanon, 
Perry, Bradford, Schuylkill, Susquehannah, Indiana, Tioga, 
Cambria, Pike, Clearfield, M'Kean, Jefferson, Potter. 

Chief towns. — Philadelphia, Lancaster, Carlisle, German- 
town, Harrisburg, Pittsburgh, Reading, York, &c. 

Universities and colleges. — University of Pennsylvania, 
Jefferson college, and the high school at Philadelphia; Dick- 
enson college, at Carlisle; Franklin college, at Lancaster; 
and one at Washington. 

Productions. — Wheat, rye, barley, iron ore, lumber, &c. 

Manufactures. — Iron, leather, paper, gunpowder, bricks, 
earthenware, copper, lead, tinware, maple sugar, tobacco, &c= 

Mountains. — Alleghany, Blue, Peter's, Tuscarora, Share- 
man's Hills, &c. 

Rivers. — Delaware, Schuylkill, Susquehannah, Ohio, Mo- 
nongahela, Tioga, Alleghany, Juniata. 

DELAWARE. 

Boundaries. — N. Pennsylvania, S. and W. Maryland, E. 
Delaware River and Bay, and the Ocean; length 96, breadth 
36 miles; latitude 39° 11' N. longitude 75° 24' W. Num- 
ber of inhabitants 72,749. 

Counties. — Newcastle, Kent, Sussex. 

Chief towns. — Dover, Wilmington, Newcastle, Christiana, 
Salisbury. 

Productions. — Wheat, Indian corn, barley, rye, oats, flax, 
buckwheat, potatoes, lumber. 

Manufactures. — Cotton, cloth, snuff, paper, flour. 

Rivers. — Pocomoke, Wycomico, Nanticoke, Choptank, 
and Chesterxi vers rise in this state. 



240 Synopsis of the 

MARYLAND. 

Boundaries.— -N. Pennsylvania, S. Virginia and Chesa- 
peak Bay, E. Delaware and the Ocean, W. Virginia; length 
J 50, breadth 110 miles; latitude 38° 50' N. longitude 76° 
30' W. Number of inhabitants, 407,350. 

Counties. — Harford, Baltimore, Ann Arundel, Frederick, 
Alleghany, Washington, Montgomery, Prince George, Cal- 
vert, Charles, St. Mary's, Cecil, Kent, Caroline, Queen 
Ann, Talbot, Somerset, Dorchester, Worcester. 

Chief towns. — City of Baltimore, city of Annapolis, Eli- 
zabeth town, Abingdon, Frederick town, Easton, Chester 
town, Snowhill. 

Colleges. — St. John's college, at Annapolis; Washington 
college, at Chester town; one at Abingdon; one at George 
town, and one at Baltimore. 

Productions* — W 7 heat, rye, tobacco, hemp, flax, Indian 
corn, iron ore. 

Manufactures. — Iron, flour, &c. 

Rivers. — Susquehannah, Potomac, Pocomoke, Patapscc, 
Patuxent, Nanticoke, Chester, &c. 



VIRGINIA. 

Boundaries. — N. Maryland, Pennsylvania, and the river 
Ohio, S. North Carolina, E. the Atlantic, W. Kentucky; 
length 446, breadth 224 miles; latitude 38° N. longitude 80° 
W. Number of inhabitants, 1,065,366. 

Counties. — It has 100 counties, viz: Loudon, Ohio, 
Greensville, Henrico, Caroline, Fairfax, Accomac, Berk- 
ley, &c. 

Chief towns. — Richmond, Williamsburg, Norfolk, Peters- 
burg, Fredericksburg, Dumfries, Abingdon, Bath, Wood- 
stock, Lexington, Yorktown, Lynchburgh. 

Colleges. — William and Mary at Williamsburgh, Hamp- 
den Sydney, in Prince Edward county, and Washington col- 
lege, at Lexington. 

Productions. — Cotton, flax, hemp, tobacco, wheat, barley, 
corn. 

Manufactures. — Iron and Whiskey. 

Mountains. — Alleghany, Blue Ridge, Peaks of Otter, 
North, Onasioto. 

Rimers. — Potomac, James, Nansemond, Rappahannock, 
York, Roanoke, Shenandoah, Kanhawa, Chickahominv. 



Geography of the United States. 241 

NORTH CAROLINA. 

Boundaries.— N. Virginia, S. South Carolina, E. the At- 
lantic, W: the state of Tennessee: length 450, breadth 180, 
miles; latitude 35° 30' N. longitude 79° W. Number of in- 
habitants 490,309. 

It has 62 counties, viz: Anson, Ash, Buncombe, &c. 

Chief towns. — Raleigh, Newbern, Edenton, Wilmington, 
Hillsborough, Fayetteville, Washington, Salem, Salisbury. 

Colleges. — One university, and fifty academies. 

Productions. — Wheat, rye, barley, oats, Indian corn, cot- 
ton, flax, hemp, lumber, pork, gold, and iron ore. 

Manufactures. — Iron works, clothing, tar, pitch, rosin. 

Rivers. — Cape Fear, Neuse, Roanoke, Tar, Cowan, and 
Tennessee, or Cherokee, which rises in this state. 



SOUTH CAROLINA. 

Boundaries. — N. North Carolina, E, the Ocean, N. W. 
Tennessee, S. W. by the Savannah River; length 200, breadth 
VIS miles; latitude 34° N. longitude 81° W. Number of in- 
habitants 345,591. 

Divisions. — It is divided into nine districts, viz: Charles- 
ton, Beaufort, Georgetown, Ninety-six, Washington, Pinck- 
ney, Camden, Orangeburg, Cheraw; twenty-five counties. 

Chief towns. — Charleston, Beaufort, Camden, Columbia, 
Chatham, Coosawatchie, Georgetown. 

Colleges. — At Beaufort, Abbeville, William sburgh, and 
one at Columbia, and several academies. 

Productions. — Wheat, rye, barley, oats, flax, hemp, cotton, 
tobacco, lumber, rice, indigo, fruits. 

Manufactures. — Iron works, &c. 

Mountains. — Tryon, Hogback, Ridge. 

Rivers. — Savannah, Santee, Pedee, Edisto, Ashley, Coop- 



GEORGIA. 

Boundaries. — N. South Carolina, S. the Floridas, E. the 
Ocean; W. the Mississippi Territory; length 380, breadth 
150 miles; latitude 33° N. longitude 83° W. Number of 
inhabitants 340,989. 

Ii 



242 Synopsis oj the 

Divisio?is. — It is divided into two districts, viz: Upper 
and Lower; and is subdivided into 47 counties, viz: Appling, 
Baldwin, &c. 

Chief towns. — Louisville, Savannah, Sunbury, Augusta, 
Brunswick. 

One university and several academies. 

Productions.* — Rice, wheat, indigo, tobacco, cotton, silk, 
corn, potatoes, oranges, figs, olives, pomegranates. 

Manufactures. — Indigo and sago. 

Mountains. — Alleghany, or Apalachian. 

Rivers. — Savannah, Altamaha, Ogechee, St. Mary's, Tur- 
tle, Sitilla, Crooked River. 



TERRITORY OF FLORIDAS 

Ceded to the United States by Spain, 1819; boundaries, 
N. Georgia, and the Mississippi Territory; S. Gulf of Mexi- 
co; E. the Atlantic; VV. Louisiana; length 600, breadth 130 
miles; lat. 30° N. long. 85° W. Number of inhabitants 1820, 
8,205. Divided into two parts, East and West Florida. 

Chief Toxvjis. — St. Augustine and Pensacola. 

Productions. — Indian corn, rice, lumber. 

Rivers. — St. Johns, Indian, Lequana, Appalachicola, Es- 
cambia, Mobile, Pascagoula. 



OHIO 

Admitted into the Union 1802; boundaries, N. Lake Erie 
and the Michigan Territory; S. Ohio River; E. Pennsyl- 
vania; W. Indiana; length 300, breadth *z75 miles; lat. 40® 
30 N. long. 83° W. Number of inhabitants 1820, 581,295- 

Counties. — Adams, Allen, Ashtabula, Athens, Belmont, 
Brown, Butler, Champaign, Clark, Clermont, Clinton, Colum- 
biana, Cashockton, Crawford, Cuyahoga, Drake, Delaware, 
Fairfield, Fayette, Franklin, Gallia, Georgia, Greene, Guern- 
sey, Hamilton, Hancock, Harrison, Henry, Highland, Hardin, 
Hocking, Huron, Jackson, Jefferson, Knox, Lawrence, Lick- 
ing, Logan, Madison, Marion, Medina, Meigs, Miami, 
Monroe, Montgomery, Morgan, Muskingum, Paulding, 
Perry, Pickaway, Pike, Portage, Preble, Putnam, Richland, 
Ross, Sandusky, Sciota. Seneca, Shelbv, Starke, Trumbull, 



Geography of the United States. 243 

Tuscaroras, Vanwert, Union, Warren, Washington, Wayne, 
Williams, Wood. 

Chief Towns. — Chilicothe, Cincinnati, Columbia, Marietta. 

Rivers. — Great and Little Miami, Cayahoga, Muskingum, 
Sciota, Hockhocking. 



KENTUCKY. 

Boundaries* — N. The River Ohio, S. Tennessee, E. Vir- 
ginia, W. Cumberland River; length 380, breadth 99 miles; 
latitude 36° 40' N. longitude 85° W. Number of inhabitants 
564,317. 

Counties. — It is divided into 71 counties, viz: Jefferson, 
Bourbon, Fayette, Mercer, Nelson, Madison, Lincoln, 
Woodford, &c. 

Chief towns. — Frankfort, Lexington, Louisville, Bourbon, 
Washington, Danville. 

Productions, — Salt, coal, timber, corn, oats, flax, hemp. 

Manufactures. — Whiskey, maple, sugar, salt, iron. 

Rivers. — Kentucky, Dicks, Elkhorn, Salt, Green, Cum- 
berland, Sandy, and Licking. 



TENNESSEE. 

Boundaries. — N. Kentucky, S. Mississippi Territory; E. 
North Carolina, W. Mississippi; length 460, breadth 104 
miles; latitude 35° 45' N, longitude 86° 20' W. Number of 
inhabitants 422,813. 

Divisions. — It is divided into three districts, viz: Wash- 
ington, Hamilton, and Mero, and is subdivided into fifty-two 
counties. 

Chief towns. — Knoxville, Nashville, Clarksville, Tellicoe. 

Colleges. — One at Greenville, one at Knoxville, and one 
in Washington county. 

Productions. — Iron ore, saltpetre, cotton, hemp, wheat, 
flax, ginseng, lumber, fish. 

Mountains. — Stone, Yellow, Iron, Bald, Clinch, Unaka, 
Cumberland, and the Enchanted Mountain, so called from 
the curious tracks that are on the rocks. 

Rivers,—- Mississippi, Tennessee, Cumberland- Clinch. 



24.4 Synopsis of 

MISSISSIPPI TERRITORY 

Was admitted as a state into the Union December 1817; 
boundaries, W. Mississippi and Pearl rivers, N. state of 
Tennessee, E. Alabama, S. Louisiana; length 338, breadth 
135; population 1820, 75,448. 

Counties, — Cape Girardeau, Cooper, Jefferson, Howard, 
Maddison, Montgomery, New Madrid, Lincoln, Pike, St. 
Charles, St. Lewis, Franklin, St. Genevieve, Washington, 
Wayne. 

Chief towns. — Natches, Monticello, Jacksonville, Palmyra, 
Jefferson. 

Rivers. — Pearl, Yazoo, Amit, Catahoochee, Alabama, 
Tombigbee, Escambia. 



ALABAMA 

Is bounded N. Tennesse, E. Georgia, S, Florida and the 
gulf of Mexico, W. Mississippi. 

Admitted into the LT n i n 1819; length 334, breadth 155 
miles; population, 143,000. 

Counties. — Antauga, Baldwin, Bibb, Blount, Butler, Cata- 
co, Clark, Conecuh, Dallas, Franklin, Green, Henry, Jack- 
son, Lauderdale, Limestone, Madison, Marengo, Mobile, 
Monroe, Montgomery, Shelby, St. Clair, Tuscaloosa, Wil- 
cox. 

Staple commodities. — Cotton, tobacco. 

Mobile, the capital, and Cahawba, the seat of government, 



INDIANA 

Admitted into the Union, 1816; length 3-Z5, breadth 150 
miles; lies between the state of Ohio and the Mississippi. 

Counties. — Clarke, Crawford, Davies, Dearborn, Dela- 
ware, Dubois, Fayette, Floyd, Franklin, Gibson, Harrison, 
Jackson, Jefferson, Jennings, Knox, Lawrence, Morton, 
Monroe, Owen, Orange, Perry, Pike, Posey, Randolph, 
Ripley, Scott, Spencer, Sullivan, Switzerland, Vanderburg, 
Vigo, Wabash, Warrich, Washington, Wayne. 

Number of inhabitants, 1820, 147,178. 

Chief towns % — Vincennes, Kahokia, Kaskaskias. 

Rivers. — Illinois, Wabash, and the Kaskaskias. 



Geography of the United States. 245 

ILLINOIS 

Admitted into the Union, December, 1818; boundaries,, 
Lake Michigan, the Wabash, Ohio, and Mississippi rivers; 
length 380, breadth 150 miles; 1820, population, 55,211. 

Chief towns. — Kaskaskias, Vandalia, Shawnee town, Ca- 
hokia, and Edwardsville. Kaskaskias is the capital, and Van- 
dalia the seat of government. 

Counties. — Alexander, Bond, Clark, Crawford, Edwards^ 
Franklin, Gallatin, Jackson, Jefferson, Johnson, Madison, 
Monroe, Pope, Randolph, St. Clair, Union, Washington, 
Wayne, W'hite. 

Illinois is the fourth state in the Union in extent of terri- 
tory, and the first in point of fertility of soil. 



MISSOURI STATE, 

Late Upper Louisiana. Admitted into the Union, August 
1821; latitude 38° 40'; bounded by Mississippi and Pearl 
river W. Tennessee N. Alabama E. Louisiana S. Popula- 
tion 1820, 66,586; length 280, breadth 220 miles. 

Chief towns. — St. Louis, St. Charles, Genevieve, Cape 
Girardeau and New Madrid. St. Louis is the capital, and 
Jefferson the seat of government. 

Productions. — Cotton, rice, and grain. 

Face of the country generally level, and the climate healthy, 



LOUISIANA. 

Purchased by the United States, of France, in 1803, for 
15,000,000 dollars, and admitted into the Union 1821; boun- 
daries, S. the gulf of Mexico; E. West Florida and the river 
Mississippi; N. by parts unknown; W. Mexico; lat. 45° N. 
long. 105° W. Number of inhabitants, 1820, 144,407. 

Divisions. — It is divided into two districts, and subdivided 
into 27 parishes. 

Chief parish. — City of New Orleans. 

Rivers. — Mississippi, Missouri, Red River, St. Francis, 
Arkansas. 

Productions. — Sugar, cotton, indigo, rice, furs, lumber, 
tar, flour, cattle. 



-246 Synopsis of the 

MICHIGAN TERRITORY. 

Boundaries — S. by Ohio and Indiana, W. Lake Michigan, 
N. and E, by the United States boundary line; length 280, 
breadth 200 miles, latitude 43° 50' N. longitude 85° W. 

Chief settlements. — Detroit and Michilmaekinac. 

Counties. — Wayne, Macomb, Oakland, Michilmaekinac, 
Brown, Crawford, Monroe. Population 1820, 8,896. 



ARKANSAS TERRITORY 

Formed out of ancient Louisiana; bounded E. by the Mis- 
sissippi river, S. by Louisiana and Red river, W. by Texas, 
and N. by Missouri; length 550, breadth 200 miles, lies be- 
tween N. lat. 33 and 36° 30'; population 14,273. 

Counties. — Lawrence, Philip, Arkansas, Pulaski, Clark, 
Hempstead, Miller. 

Productions. — Cotton, Indian corn, timber; its trade, peltry 
and salted provisions. 



MISSOURI TERRITORY 

Boundary, N. British possessions, E. north-west territory, 
S. Missouri state, VV. by the Pacific ocean; face of the coun- 
try, level and fertile; the only inhabitants of this territory are 
the Indians and a few soldiers at a military station on the 
Missouri river. Indian inhabitants supposed to be 300,000, 
length 1400, breadth 360. 



NORTH WESTERN TERRITORY. 

Politically connected with Michigan; bounded N. by Up- 
per Canada and Lake Superior, E. by Michigan and Huron, 
S. by Illinois, and W. by Mississippi Territory; length 45(«), 
breadth 350 miles; population 952; climate cold, but healthy; 
soil generally of an excellent quality; no towns, and very few 
settlements on this territorv, 



Geography of the United States, 247 

SEAS, RIVERS, &c. IN NORTH AMERICA. 

Seas. — The gulfs of Mexico, California, St. Lawrence, 
Campeachy, and Honduras; the Carribean sea; Hudson's bay, 
and the bay of Fundy. 

Rivers, — The Mississippi, which rises near the lakes, has 
a southerly course of 3000 miles, and falls into the gulf of 
Mexico. 

The St. Lawrence has its source in lake Ontario, and 
empties into the Atlantic. 

The Hudson rises in the N. E. part of New York state, 
and running southerly empties into the Atlantic. 

The Susquehanna has its source in New York state, and 
falls into Chesapeake bay. 

The Delaware rises in the state of New York, and empties 
into Delaware bay. 

Lakes. — The principal ones are Superior, Michigan, Huron, 
Erie, Ontario, Champlain, Winipeg, Slave lake, and the Lake 
of the Woods. 



A General Abstract of the Population of the World, 

Area. Population. 

North America, 7,975,423 21,981,230 

South America, 7,115.500 9,680,000 

Europe, 3/260,902 194,164,610 

Asia, 15,202,000 360,300,000 

Africa, 11,120,000 65,080,000 

Oceanica, 3,900,000 20,050,000 



Total of the world, 48,573,825 681,483,840 

Extent of the World, 

Water, 150,320,300 

Land, 48,572,376 



Total surface, 198,892,676 square miles. 



A TABLE 

Of the Latitudes and Longitudes (from London) of the principal 
cities in North America, 



Cities. 


State, or Province. 


Latitude. 


Longitude.] 






D. M. 


D. M. 


Albany 


New York 


42 46 N. 


73 47 W. 


Annapolis 


Maryland 


39 


76 40 


Baltimore 


Maryland 


39 21 


76 40 


Boston 


Massachusetts 


42 25 


70 37 


Burlington 


New Jersey 


40 8 


75 


Charleston 


South Carolina 


32 45 


79 55 


Detroit 


Michigan 


42 40 


82 56 


Halifax 


Nova Scotia 


44 40 


63 15 


Knoxville 


Tennessee 


35 57 


85 11 


Lexington 


Kentucky 
Cape Breton 


38 6 


85 9 


Louisburg 


45 43 


59 48 


Mexico 


New Spain 


19 54 


100 5 


Montpelier 


Vermont 


43 14 


72 19 


Montreal 


Lower Canada 


45 50 


73 11 


Natch es 


Mississippi 


31 35 


92 5 


New Haven 


Connecticut 


41 21 


77 


New London 


Connecticut 


41 21 


72 13 


New Orleans 


Louisiana 


29 58 


89 53 


Newport 


Rhode Island 


41 51 


71 6 


New York 


New York 


40 43 


74 10 


Norfolk 


Virginia 


36 55 


76 19 


Pensacola 


West Florida 


30 22 


87 20 


Philadelphia* 


Pennsylvania 


39 57 


75 9 


Pittsburgh 


Pennsylvania 


30 27 


79 55 


Portsmouth 


New Hampshire 


43 10 


70 20 


Providence 


Rhode Island 


41 51 


71 26 


Quebec 


Lower Canada 


46 55 


70 31 


Richmond 


Virginia 


39 30 


77 45 


St. Augustine 


East Florida 


29 46 


81 12 


St. Johns 


Newfoundland 


47 32 


52 26 


St. Louis 


Missouri 


38 38 


89 36 


Savannah 


Georgia 


32 3 


81 30 


Trenton 


New Jersey 


40 15 


74 30 


Vincennes 


Indiana 


38 51 


88 21 


Washington 


Dist. Columbia 


38 53 


77 40 


Williamsburgh 


Virginia 


37 12 


76 48 



* Harnsburg, the seat of justice of Dauphin county, and capital of Penn- 
sylvania, population 3000. Lancaster city, 62 miles from Philadelphia, 
population 6.700. 



INDEX. 



Admonition to youth, 59. 

Athens, liberty to, 67. 

Astronomy, 85. 

Application, advantages of, 43. 

All is done, 65. 

Advantages of Science, 21 . 

Bible, the actual advantages of, 45. 

Bliss of tears, 51. 

Biographical notices, 23, 73, 87, 106, 
108, 124, 129, 130, 148, 151, 156, 
164, 165, 167, 171, 172, 174, 176, 
190, 191, 192, 195. 

Composition, 19 , 

Punctuation, 24. 

Criticism, 27. 

Childhood, 72. 

Consideration, 42. 

Modesty, 43. 

Emulation, Prudence, 44. 

Events of the war, from 209 to 232. 

Economy of human life, 42. 

Education, advantages of, 113. 

Eloquence, lessons in, 13, 69. 

Literary. 

Citizens of Alexandria, address, 28. 

Answer of General Washington, 29. 

Eloquent lelter of an American author, 
35. 

Washington's appointment to the office 
of first magistrate of the Union, 30. 

Washington's inauguration address, 30. 

Address of House of Representative to 
do. 34. 

Address of General Lafayette to the le- 
gislatures of Pennsylvania and Virgi- 
nia, 119, 120. 

Address to the National representatives 
of France and the King of France, 
'21, 122. 

Popular. 

Dr. Rush's eulogy on Cullen, 73. On 
Rittenhousc, 81. 

Fisher Aimes' eulogy on Washington, 94. 

Joseph R. Ingersoll's Address to the 
Philomatheau Society, 114. 

Joseph Hopkinson's address to the Acad- 
emy of Fine Arts, 112. 



P. S. Duponceau's address to the Philo- 
sophical and Penn Societies, 106, 110. 

D. P. Brown's address to the'Abolition 
Society, 148. 

Pulpit. 

Bishop DehonV Sermons on the Liturgy. 
154. Baptism, 153. Scriptures, 151 . 
Regeneration, 152. Sabbath, 154. On 
Public instruction, 156. 

Dr. Kollock oniEducation, 158. Origi- 
nal sin, 160. Miseries of life, 161. 

Dr. Galaudet on the Scriptures, 156, 

Profession of the Ministry, 161. 

Advice to students, 162.* 

Deliberative. 

Patrick Henry's speech before the Vir- 
ginia convention, 116. On the Federal 
Constitution, 135. On the Freedom of 
Commerce, 118. 

Governor Randolph's speech on Mr. 
Madison's resolution, 127. 

Governeur Morris on the Constitution. 
124. 

Mr. Livingston, Mr. Storr and Mr. 
Mercer's debates in Congress, on the 
Lafayette resolution, 1824, 128, 132. 
134. 

Logan, an Indian chief's speech, 150. 

Pacbgantelas an Indian chief's speech, 
120. 

Lafayette's speech before the National 
representatives of France, 121. Before 
the Virginia and Pennsylvania legisla- 
tures, 126, 116. 

Fisher Aimes 1 speech on Madison's re- 
solutions, 141, 

Forensic. 

Joseph Hopkinson in defence of justice 
Chase, 167. 

Mr. Early on the part of the Prosecution 
163. 

Mr. Wurts on the trial of A. Burr, 189 

Jered Ingcrsoll in defence of the Su- 
preme Court Judges, 192, 



250 



Index. 



D. P. Brown in defence of Judge Porter, 
195. In defence of Rev. W. Hogan, 
202. In defence of tbe Tailors, 204. 

J. R. Ingersoll in defence of Hogan, 199. 

G. M. Dallas prosecuting attorney, 
against same, 200. 

P. S. Duponceau's address to the Law 
Academy, 171. 

Joseph Hopkinson's address to the Law 
Academy, 176. 

Vindication of the Profession, 194, 209. 

Republican History, Naval Victories, 
from 209 to 232. 

Poetry. 

Freedom, 65. 
Faith's, Ebenezer, 62 



Friendship, tnuute of, to Christian Mis- 
sionaries, 55. 
Greek Emigrant, 67. 
Father at the Helm, 58 
Love of Study, 70. 
Mental Beauty, 71. 
Mercy, 68. 

Parental Counsel, 52. 
Prince of Peace, 57. 
Patriotism, 51. 
Rose of my Heart, 50. 
Spirit of Freedom, 48. 
Seneca Lake, 64. 
Sensitive Plant, 60. 
Task, 66. 
Home, 49. 
Synopsis of Geography, 23.T 



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